Movies and Books

The Richest Man Who ever Lived

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 15:38:00 +0000

Steven K. Scott didn't have a good track his first four years out of college (He had lost 6 jobs already). His marriage wasn't much either. That was over 30 years ago that Gary Smalley (the relationship guru of books) gave Steven an assignment of reading one chapter a day from the book of Psalms. Worth millions today, very strong in his marriage, and able to finance a number of projects for Gary Smalley, Scott's new books is worth every dollar (and penny).

Try reading Proverbs for 31 days, send me your top 5. I'm working on a book idea and would love see how this practice impacts your relationships and builds wisdom. Check out the book!

Pirates of the Caribbean:Dead Man's Chest

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 12:33:00 +0000

Our family loved Pirates of the Caribbean; we LIKED and enjoyed Dead Man's Chest.

We weren't disappointed at all, but when has the second movie in a series been better? The God's must be angry II (Ok), Aliens (for sure) . . . anyway, most of the time . . . ANYWAY IT'S A FUN MOVIE - the reasons why it doesn't measure up were interesting to me (you?).

Some action scenes would have been more fun if a "bit" shorter -- sometimes "less is more!"
For me the ending is the most important part of the movie -- not bad, but not great (felt like another movie being set up).
THE BIGGEST REASON is there was not the development of dialogue that made Pirates I such a great movie -- to have an adventurous, fun, action comedy with wonderful dialogue is unusual -- the first movie did (it was great), but this one was lacking - too much reliance on the great graphics and action.

For our family, it was the memory & discussions that followed that made it worth the $! Enjoy.

Just Out on Video - Good movies

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 05:11:00 +0000

This movie has a lot about our relationship to our fathers; kids who never come out of their teen age years, disfunctional families, and love (some funny parts - liked this movie)! RATING: B

READ MORE (click)

Rent Kong if you missed it in the theaters (IT'S LONG . . . if you hate bugs, skip this movie). I gave it a B-

IN HER SHOES (RATING: B++)

This movie, about two sisters made me cry. It deals with the unforgiven parts of our past; the pain that gets stuffed (three classic ways we do it)! The movie has a powerful ending and the part with the dying professor in the Nursing Home is very powerful. I found this to be a great relationship movie.

The Wounded Woman - A Great Book

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 01:18:00 +0000

Practical, very spiritual, insights into:

What to do in your dark days, how to face Grief, guilt, and anger. The stories are inspiring, and the Bible verses are amazing. The questions at the end of each chapter are some of the best I've ever read. The same book, tweaked for men, will be coming out in the future.

Buy this book (Male or Female):

One promotion says: Hope and Healing Are at Hand Extraordinary emotional pain cries out for something more than a Band-Aid, a pat on the shoulder, or a greeting card clichee. When the wounds go deep, real help, honest encouragement, and tangible healing may be hard to locate. But it is there to find, and the search is worth the effort. Compassionate and experienced counselors Dr. Steve Stephens and Pam Vredevelt, LPC, have walked alongside women in pain for years - they've heard the stories, seen the tears, felt the pain, and entered into the devastation. They've also seen how wounded women can step out of darkness into hope, regain their feet, restart their lives, recover their energy, and even reclaim their joy. Real-life stories and proven, practical counsel serve as powerful tools to help you recover from past and present wounds, moving you into a new season of productive living.

20 Rules & Tools - great marriage

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Thu, 02 Feb 2006 15:19:00 +0000

My one son read this book when he was 20, he's giving it to his best friend who just got married. I read it about two years ago. Laura and I have given over 25 copies away as gifts. Several of the ideas and practices in this book have been used by Laura and I for the last 30+ years. My dad and mom (most amazing marriage I've ever seen) practices several of these habits too.

If your single, you will still find so much in this book to benefit your life. Small, simple, fun to read: one of the most practical books in print. I buy some of my books at www.bamm.com (http://www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books?id=3388974441064&isbn=0842362037)

Also try this book ladies (I've not read it yet) - http://www.thewornoutwoman.com/index.html

Have fun!

Want to read more this year?

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 13:33:00 +0000

# 1 tip - Have a book in every bathroom, by your favorite chair, and in each car. I find certain books are written in such a way that you can read a few paragraphs each day or so and not get lost. You will have to experiment, but I know three people who have doubled their reading just by having a book in the bathroom (it helped fuel their interest in reading and they found a way to read more. One such person was a student recently married who is working, in school full time and believed he couldn't find time to read any more - the bathroom helped him find that "lost time." I've done the "bathroom read for two years and this year finished three books this way. I read additional three books on my bedstand (I read very little before falling asleep - 5 min. or less). Try it, 100% of those I know trying it say it really works! The more books you can have around you the more you will read - it really does rub off (I keep one book on my PDA/phone at all times). I've read a bunch of pages just waiting for construction work on the highway this year.

# 2 tip - Read very early in your day. This practice could start with as little as 8 minutes a day for 28 days straight. Try NOT reading the paper early in the morning. Focus on building a pattern of reading. If your too tired to concentrate then try changing what and how much you read. History gives overwhelming evidence that "early morning readers" do more of almost everything, almost all the time (Do you believe this?). I've always thought I was a night person, and couldn't read in the morning. I found the news paper easy and fun - but when I gave it up, and went through the hard work of reading early I found in less than six months, I was transformed into an early morning reader. The rewards in my spiritual life are huge. I read a lot early a.m. I do keep about four or five different books that I sometimes switch out depending on my energy and concentration. I ready Oswald Chambers everyday (about 6-12 min.) I also journal the day before as a time of review and thankfulness. If you build a habit of reading early morning you will see a big payoff.

# 3 tip - Read books with friends. This can be done by reading out loud together(riding in the car is a great time), taking turns as a family, out loud (smaller books work better when this is done), or with in the same month. Laura and I have seen so much growth in our intimacy because we have increased the number of books we both read and discuss. We read one little book (A Testament of Devotion) together every summer, while on vacation. We read it out loud, and then separately. We then discuss, pray, and even take notes. It's a fun practice to start. Read books that a close friend found meaningful or fun. Then meet and discuss. Read, and then buy copies of books to share with others (Laura and I gave away 38 books this year - it was so worth the investment!). The number of books I read increased so much by reading the same book as others. My boss, and the lead pastor of Living Hope is an amazing reader. Never have I had co-worker or boss read and share are encourage me so much. He loans, gives away, and shares books all the time. Read, share, and grow - this is the number one way increase your reading. Reading is ONLY a tool! Tools can be used to enhance relationships.

TRISTAN & ISOLDE (Have you seen it?) B++

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Thu, 19 Jan 2006 14:09:00 +0000

Our 17 yr. old has so wanted to see this movie: coming soon the review! I'll share what raised the grade on this movie and the discussion that followed (The Movie Critics hated this movie.).

Also: The final review on Kong!

2005 Books read (Check them out)

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 01:19:00 +0000

NEW: The books highlighted in blue were some of my favorites this yr. Still to come.
New: Books highlighted in Green are books I wouldn't recommend reading.

My 2005 list of books read: Check back, hit the re-fresh button, and see my additional comments - top 10, tips, quotes, ect. You can read, learn, grow, touch others with gifts of love through reading! Coming soon - simple ways to read at least 3 more books next year than you do now!

Devotional/Spirituality
Abiding Stories, Michael Wells
A balanced Christian life, Watchman Nee
A Testament of Devotion, Thomas Kelly Amazing - the deepest "little-big" book I've ever read. Laura & I read every summer (going on #4)
Blue like Jazz, Donald Jones
Changed into His Likeness, Watchman Nee
Come Lord Jesus (The Imitation of Christ), Thomas Âa Kempis
Conformed to His Image/The Servant As His Lord, Oswald Chambers
Dangerous Wonder, Michael Yanconelli Parts of this book are amazing (some of it is weak)
Epic, John Eldridge (June) My favorite "little book" snap shot of a God of love (NO FEAR)
My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers All time favorite - you might want to buy the updated English version (an O Wow devotion) . . . read on line for free (link)
Praying for the World 365 most influential people (Harvest House Pub) David Kopp
Soul Survivor, Philip Yancey All but one or two chapters very good - if you grew up in a legalistic, religious home you will really like this book
The Barbarian Way, Erwin McMannus All his books are great - easiest of his books to read - great "washroom book"
The importance of being foolish, Brennan Manning This is perhaps one of my top three authors ever - great! Not as good as some of his other stuff, but still great.
The Love of God, Oswald Chambers
The Ragamuffin Gospel Â Visual edition, Brennan Manning Buseveralal as gifts - an abridged work of one of his very best books - I love the graphics.
The Story Teller Â Leaders, Steve Stephens
The Testimony of God, Watchman Nee
The Wisdom of Tenderness, Brennen Manning Very, very good - wonderful stories
Uprising, Erwin McMannus Excellent, I like his two previous bks. better! A book on Character! Some have said Erwin is difficult to read - I love what he shares.
Waking the Dead, John Eldredge My least favorite of all his books - good, except for his "spiritual warfare" stuff.

Values & Virtues
Anatomy of a lie, Diane M. Komp
The Challenge of the Disciplined Life (Money, Sex, & Power), Richard J. Foster
Waking from the American Dream, Donald W. McCullough (NOT DONE YET)
Who is my enemy, Rick Nathan Step outside the bubble of how you view "non-believers" and get a wonderful glimpse of the life around you - great read.

Leadership
7 Practices of Effective Ministry, Andy Stanly, Reggie Joiner, Lane Jones This is perhaps one of the most practical, best "easy-reading" blue print for building healthy churches that blow away religion and keep authentic life-change at the core - a must read!
Blue Ocean Strategy, W. Chan Kim & ReneÂe Mauborgne Great read for leaders
Creating Community, Five keys to building a small group, Andy Stanley & Bill Willits The best bk. I've read on small groups & the best way to start them. At Living Hope Church, we have adopted a great deal of this book into our small group ministry - the results were amazing (from about 300 to 1,300 people involved in small groups in less than six months. Even more is the kind of small groups and the life change coming out of them - this is the real test of value. Read this book!
How full is your bucket, Tom Rath & Donald Clifton

Planting New Churches in a Postmodern Age, Ed Stetzer One of the best overview-books on church planting - must read for someone starting a new church plant.
soulTsunami, Leonard Sweet (NOT DONE YET) Started, overviewed, but never finished . . . still working . . . will take most of the year (still very relevant . . . prophetic like & a must read for every Lead pastor).
The Effective Executive, Peter Drucker
The ShepherdÂs Covenant, H.B. London, Jr. & Neil B. Wiseman
The unLearning Church, Michael Slaughter
Who moved my cheese, Spencer Johnson, M.D. If your in the field of education you already read this! I just never got around to bitting into this most delightful little book. My oldest son and I read and then discussed this book. Everyone will benefit from this "looks like Amway* book but is not just another "positive thinking" read. Could be very effective for church boards, families, and coffee-stop discussions. If your like me and haven't got this one read - try it this year.

Theology/teachings
Adventures in Missing the Point, Brian D. Mclaren & Tony Campolo
Grace Walk, Steve McVey Required reading for every Christ-follower. I hated the bk. cover, the first chapter seemed to simplistic, but so glad I read this book! Laura and I have given away over 20 of this book to friends.
Jewish Views of the Afterlife, Simcha Paull Raphael
Out of the Question and into the Mystery, Leonard Sweet I loved this book (one or two chapters didn't rev my engine) - I like the way Leonard thinks and expresses himself.
Resurrection Â Myth or Reality, John Shelby Spong
Sabbath Roots Â the African Connection, Charles Bradford
Search for the immortal soul, Daniel Knauft
The Amazing Body Human, Mark P. Cosgrove Out-of-print amazing book on the way our bodies scream out, "DESIGNED FOR RELATIONSHIPS." Some incredible insights that reinforce the various levels of human intimacy. I read parts of this book 9 years ago and just bought it this year. Wow!
The death of death, Neil Gillman Fascinating look into the history of Jewish thought on the development of belief regarding The Resurrection. Great resource for Biblical understanding of Sheol and the immortality of the soul. Not for the casual reader. Clear picture of how Greek thought and Christianity has influenced Jewish theology in the last 400 years. Snapshot of where Jewish belief is today and the miBuddhismBudhism.
The Search for Christmas, Lee Strobel
The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn
What does the Bible really say about hell?, Randy Klassen Starts strong, but last few chapters ruin this book.

Relationships
Captivating, John & Stasi Eldredge I would have every couple read this book - if you have a friend who's not a reader then convince them to get it on cd. Even if you disagree with the basic "Eldredge" premise about the basic question male and female need answered you will find this book stimulating as you read it with your mate. Read it this year! A great book for singles too!
Mars and Venus in the bedroom, John Gray The worst advice ever - This is perhaps the most worthless book on relationships I've ever read. My opinion of Gray dropped into the "minus" category.
The 5 Love Needs of Men & Women, Dr. Gary & Barbara Rosberg
The Love List, Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, Small in size, and good for a number of great ideas gleaned - Make a list of your "Top 10" experiences with your mate. Once a year have a date (same kind of food) and compare your lists. Laura and I are now doing this - fun!

Fun Diversions
1776, David McCullough Good, but not great (I was hoping for more)
Blink, Malcolm Gladwell Very Fun reading, with lots of insights. Everyone in the field of education should read this. Great insights into our non-verbal communication and prejudices.
Foucault's Pendulum, Umberto Eco I hated this book! It's the most difficult book I've ever read. The obsession with the use of words (Latin and French too), and perhaps a 1,000 unusual references to other great phrases in liturature left me with the impression that the author was consumed with his own vast knowledge of language. My mentor read the book and was fascinated. A friend of mine who teaches at Clark also found it interesting. It did open me up to the way myths regarding religion so easily develope. Like the Name of the Rose the ending was beyond weak - it expressed what may be the core belief of the author - life is meaningless. Do you want to read this book?
Freakonomics, Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner The part of this popular book I liked was the new angles the author approached old subjects - his theory for what lowered crime is very interesting (very believable).
Marylyn Monroe, the last take, Peter Harry Brown & Patty B. Barham Not at all the best book on Marylyn (free book)
Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea - why the Greeks matter, Thomas Cahill I love Cahill's series on Western Civilization, but his obsession with the Greek obsession with homosexuality and the way he seemed to "enjoy" describing it make this a "marginal read." Read all his other books in this series, they are exceptional - especially How the Irish saved civilization.
Silence, Shusaku Endo Amazing, disturbing, and translated, it's very simply written. It's historical bases makes this novel about two priest who secretly enter Japan a facinating look at motives behind sharing our faith. Not a great read if adding more questions to your life weakens your faith (only for the person who is stimulated by ethical and even troubling questions). Endo is the most popular modern author in Japanese history.
The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas Wow, is the huge book worth reading (get the longer version). It's an amazing example of classic, timeless excellence. It will help you deal with issues of fairness and forgiveness. Note: The latest movie is much different from the book (I loved the movie - one of my favorites). I like the books ending better! Read it!
The five people you meet in heaven, Mitch Albom Small, easy reading, a great book for the person who wants to start reading more but hasn't developed the habit. I love some of the ways this book encourages you to think regarding the people who make a difference in your life (very fun reading). I had wanted to read this book for more than a year. So glad I read it (Laura liked it a lot too).
The Kosakovsky Brothers, Fyodor Dostoevsky I loved this book, but it's not easy reading for some. It is a timeless work. I so found spiritual insights and believe the author helped keep a flame growing in the midst of darkness in his part of the world. The contrast between the two brothers is amazing. I will read this book again in 15 years. Big book, but worth it!
The Name of the Rose, Umberto Eco Loved this book, not easy reading, but hated the last few pages - absolutely horrible. If you want to understand the burnings and inquisitions of the dark ages, then this "who did it" book is great. A historical awaking for what was going on in the dark ages (very heavy reading).
The Rule of Four, Ian Caldwell & Dustin Thomason The reviews and recommendations on the cover, and inside fly of this book sucked me into buying and reading it. I was very disapointed and wonder how it did so well on the "best seller" list. The relationships are shallow, but the book ended much better than I expected. Not a great read.
Timeline, Michael Crichton Read Congo years ago and loved it (wow). I read this book for a dummy's intro. into the world of Quantum science (Crichton loves to do research into the latest tec. fields, thoughts, ect.). It's very fun reading and when one looks at the classic questions about God and time, this book offers answers (I'm sure the author never meant to do this). A good novel.
Wings of Steel, Richard Jensen A climbers book (the nuts who spend more than a month hanging from a rock cliff). I know the guy who did this climb and he gave me the book about his adventure to read.

Wed. is the day - Want to go with us?

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Sun, 18 Dec 2005 18:04:00 +0000

We are looking at a Matinee on Wed. for our family. We're thinking Cinetopia & either King Kong or Lion, Witch, & Wardrobe (again).

Give us a call if you want to go or email me at -

GoSee@radrev.org

Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe: REVIEW (B+++++)

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 19:54:00 +0000

Note: I saw this movie at 10:30 p.m. (very tired . . . often doze when watching even good movies this late . . . I'm older now . . .)

The Kid in me . . . it worked so well (I had a spotted pony when I was 6) . . . Having read the books 3-4 times, I couldn't help get lost in the adventure every kid dreams of (Us adults could benefit from more "sanctified imagination!). A +

Pollyanna factor - fantastic with Georgie Henley as Lucy (Oh Wow on the cute factor
A ++++ ).
Skandar Keynes is Edmund (He works well on the angry kid dealing with death & sucked into a "normal cover-up" stuff we all fall into B ++ ). More on him later. Teenaged Anna Popplewell plays Susan, the practical sister who remains skeptical about Narnia - Susan was the least appealing to me (Except for her archery skills C).

William Moseley plays Peter, the eldest sibling, who becomes a true leader as their adventures mount.

I liked Peter more and more as the movie continued. The final battle was great -- loved his acting in this part of the movie! B +

Effects . . . the script . . .

I like most of the "special effects" except for the Witches castle - the distance shots were poor! There were a couple other shots from a distance that were weak. C ++ The humor of C.S. Lewis was well preserved, and the imaginative way in which Lewis deals with pain and our normal"cover-up tactics" was fantastic. A ++

This is the best part of the movie. It was made so you could safely take most kids to see it (not late for the little ones). And yet the adult themes of life were so "there." The movie doesn't moralize them at the end. The script itself portrays the Multiple realities of trying to fix my own hurt! Addictions are as sweet and nice as "Turkish delight."

Most of what will hurt me, often doesn't start out that way (peanut M&M's in the right quantity, at the proper time are good . . . especially if my motives are not to numb a dull day!)

But that which tempts us doesn't know when to stop (click here for some great pictures and more on cover-ups that end up hurting us)

More on Narnia Movie

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 01:07:00 +0000

The love I have for the books makes anticipation of this movie so big . . . yes, I'm afraid they'll screw it up! I do feel it will be a great movie - must wait and see (Great script, amazing graphics and costumes team, good producer . . . I believe!).

The books are fantastic tools for journaling and sharing spiritual connection with someone else (especially kids in your family).

Harry Potter Review (C++)

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Wed, 23 Nov 2005 14:04:00 +0000

"Stealing the golden egg was great fun!"
Critics loved this movie (REVIEWS) and I agree it's the best H.P. yet! I also want you to know I was watching this movie with my boys at about 11-12:30 p.m. after a very long day at work. I struggled staying awake at the end (you can stop reading my review if you like) . . .

It was fun, better graphics, cool special effects, and interesting to see the kids growing up (they looked like teens). If you have a very different (ancient pre-rabbinical) view of death and the spirit world, and you both analytical and creative in your tastes you might not mind the "darker" elements of this movie. Like the broken record (I can remember those days well) I am . . . what really made this movie great was the fun of sharing an evening with my boys (the drive to and from, the movie experience, and the discussions on the next day made the $7. ?? worth it!).

Great Christmas Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Tue, 22 Nov 2005 06:43:00 +0000

Books:
Artsy? Not big into reading? Scars from the past? -- Amazing short stories (Can be read in less than 2 min.) Any of the above descriptions fit? THEN THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!

The Ragamuffin Gospel - Visual Edition
Best buy @ www.bamm.com or any fine book store (you can't go wrong with this book)

Great daily devotion: Reflections for Ragamuffins - Daily Devotions from the Writings of Brennan Manning

Little-Big Book (less $3, Less 1 hr. read) - amazing punch for how to have a closer relationship with your children, spouse, or friends (Written for Dads): You Have What It Takes - What Every Father Needs to Know by John Eldredge

Books to buy on CD or DVD:
The Rabbi's Heartbeat with CD (Audio) - Brennan Manning
The Ragamuffin Gospel (Audio Compact Disc - Unabridged) - Brennan Manning
Wild at Heart Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul (Audio Compact Disc - Abridged) - John Eldredge
Journey of Desire - Searching for the Life We've Only Dreamed of (Audio Compact Disc - Unabridged) - John Eldredge
(Even better Eldredge deal) - WILD AT HEART DVD SET (CLICK)

Buy this book for any woman! Captivating - Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by Stasi Eldrdge

Book Boat Arrival (two new DVD's to watch)

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Thu, 03 Nov 2005 12:31:00 +0000

So much fun! Six new (used) books came ashore yesterday - so cool. Two Jewish authors (a sixty four dollar book I got for $30) regarding early Biblical and rabbinical perspectives on death and resurrection, one novel, a C.S. Lewis encyclopedia, and an out of print book that I've been trying to buy for a couple of years (this is one amazing book that I read about 9 years ago on the uniqueness of our physical bodies - a very strange, unusual book).

So . . . watch out for some fun book reviews!

DVD's - Marcus and I watched a great war movie (not new) focusing on the Russian's and Germans - let me know if interested. Also, if you're up to an intense father/son theme movie about a dad (detective) whose son gets into drugs and the rescue/arrest/reunion that takes place, let me know.

USE books, USE movies, as props to enhance your FRIENDSHIPS (We were made, our purpose, for relationships!).

Movie Review (The Legend of Zorro) C or C-

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 03:18:00 +0000

One of the most beautiful women in the world. Lots of fun, action, and both of my boys to see it with: not much of a movie . . . (But we still had fun! It's even worse when the noisy guy behind you is someone you know.)

But I didn't have high expectations when I went to see this movie (you shouldn't either). I loved the first Zoro . . . this one isn't worth talking about . . . wait for it to come out on DVD.

Previous books reviews (past blog site)

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 15:28:00 +0000

Take time to check out some of my favoite books from an old blog site! http://www.radrev.org/bookblog/

(Oh Wow, I just ordered 10 new books! I gave in again . . . will confess to Laura tonight . . . expect some amazing reviews in Nov. & Dec.)

Use the "comments" box for our list of "Top 10 books" for Christmas!

Great book (grade A)

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Sat, 22 Oct 2005 06:23:00 +0000

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

Very easy reading, this little (big) book will draw you in (I read it at the 24hr gym) and then entice you into some interesting thoughts about the impact others have in our life. I found myself rethinking so many things about heaven. I have some wild ideas about what the first few thousand years might be like - this book really fed those thoughts.

Many of you have already read this two year old book, but those of you who haven't, it worth picking up a couple of copies or the DVD movie.

If you struggle with everything having to be squeaky-clean theologically, just take a "chill" pill and enjoy. Great gift book for the "non-reader" type or a person who struggles feeling they are valuable.

This was a fun book to read!

New book review (coming soon)

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Tue, 18 Oct 2005 04:21:00 +0000

I just finished a book, thanks Jeff for loaning it to me, last week that I've wanted to read for two years. It's a quick read and fun. This novel, a best seller, was also made into a movie. You can find the book at at Target, Fred M. or Powells . . . it stimulated some warm introspection at death, our huge influence in other's lives, and what it means to make a "forever differenece." I'll unveil this great "little book" this week.

Hints: (a picture's worth 999 words)

The Movie: Elizabethtown (C + or B -)

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Tue, 18 Oct 2005 04:14:00 +0000

Movies, for me, are part of an experience. A good movie is influence by who I'm with, the energy I have, my mood, and even the popcorn (Battleground's popcorn doesn't measure up to Cascade 16).

Gordon and I saw this movie at the end of a big day serving (we had stayed up til 1 a.m. the day before). We had great company with us - and we needed to laugh: good movie.

Elizabethtown was a funny movie (the music tour was a bit long for me), that so connected to men and their relationship to their dads and What it MEANS to SUCCEED! There were a couple of moments that were very funny (Gordon roars so loud that everyone laughs at him too - fun). It was very disappointing to see the "F" word thrown in a couple of time (absolutely no need - I guess they just wanted to get the PG-13 rating).

Kirsten Dunst is an interesting person (her facial expressions - her eyes), I kind of like her. Question, can Orlando Bloom act? I liked what he did in this movie (nice to see him in a 21st century role).

The ending with the "reunion rock band was so very funny."

Just watched it with a great friend - SIGNS (Grade A)

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Tue, 11 Oct 2005 02:42:00 +0000

I've been wanting to see this movie for some time - it's good! I thought it was a sciFi-horror movie - sorry it's not (I hate horror movies & "Gone with the windI").

Like all of M Night Shyamalan's movies ("My biggest fear in life is to be average." M Night Shyamalan) this one is directed so well. It possesses amazing artistic touch in a deep-thinking, multi-layer study of life, spirituality, and how we go through tragedy. Is life just made up of chance or is everything is some way purposeful (a plan)?

This is a great movie to watch with a group of friends (for us it was overlooking Lake Oswego, consuming great food, and wonderful conversation).

Fantastic Book (Grade A ++)

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Thu, 06 Oct 2005 13:48:00 +0000

Amazing (we read every summer, 4th yr.)! Not an easy book to read - very deep.
See review: http://www.radrev.org/movies/2005/10/did-you-miss-my-summer-reading-list-re.html

Did you miss my summer reading list (re-posted)?

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Thu, 06 Oct 2005 13:36:00 +0000

Here are several books I finished in the month of July:

The importance of being foolish, Brennan Manning (Grade B++)
This is like all of Mannings books, a very inspiring look at how power, pleasure, and safety keep us in prison and how the foolishness of Jesus' call is simple, and powerful, release to love the way Jesus did. I love Manning so it's hard to grade any of his stuff to hard. This was not his best book, but still a great read for 2005 (Brennan had two or three re-told stories from other books - but fun to re-read). Refreshing stuff for the soul!

Anatomy of a lie, Diane M. Komp (C+)
Interesting look at the question, What is a lie?. The book is an older book which received good reviews, but fails to ever answer the question (my little hobby horse is on this subject). Listening to what God calls a lie is the key - here's my definition (without further explanation): a lie is deception without regard for the harm it does to ones self or others.

More important, the truth is to bring people into contact with Jesus (the living Word, the truth) so they can be set free from the prisons that destroy their meaning and hope.

The Name of the Rose, Umberto Eco (A - not an easy read - poor ending)
This is an amazing, rather large, read which takes one through the dark ages via a novel about a monk who reminds one of Sherlock Holms. His young apprentice accompanies him to an abbey and there unfolds the history of various sects in the church and the fights to control (power) and keep from people personal discovery of truth. It's a wonderful book (with a bit of a flat ending). I learned more from this book than any other about the dark ages. Loved this book (his other books are very difficult reading)!

The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas (A+ - Oh Wow - what a pic. of forgiveness)
If you've never seen the latest movie done on this classic, it's a must see! The book is fascinating and well deserved to be called a classic. Reading the book and reflecting on the life of it's author adds even more to this book dealing with the desperate desire we have to bring justice back into our lives. The last two pages of the book are worth it's entire (long) read! Forgiveness waits until the personal pursued of justice is brought to it's final end, and then appears in all it's grander! If you loved the ending of the movie, you might not like the books (it did come first, remember). I'm so glad I read this book, Wow!

The Rule of Four, Ian Caldwell & Dustin Thomason (C+/B -)
Number two on the New York best sellers list - not even close in real life. Read the two previous books I've listed, read Angels and Demons, this book review are way over done. It's a great feel for life at Yale or Harvard; but not so deeply engaging. It's a very serious piece of work in terms of taking a very interesting book, unsolved, from history and using it in a modern setting. This was a book that ended with a home run - I loved the ending. I didn't hate this book, but based on the reviews was expecting far more than was delivered. I'd skip this book (not worth it).

Blink, Malcolm Gladwell (B++)
This is the book of the month! If you are in the field of education, if you teach a class or communicate with groups of people this is a must read (I'm head back to pick up the Tipping point). I liked this book in that it helped unpack the primary gift of our subconscious in quick, instant decision making moments. It revealed how "thin slicing" works in our subconscious and what the danger are when it's used wrongly. When we are approaching a subject, or decision, which is "right brain" dominant we would do best to not use left brain, analytical and logical reasoning. This is largely the fault of most seminaries, and much of the Biblical teaching done in Christian schools. The books uses some fun, very engaging illustrations, from widely varied fields of study. It's an easy, intelligent, and insightful books. It's practical and interesting style will win over a great number of readers. READ THIS BOOK!

A Testament of Devotion, Thomas Kelly (A++++++, slow, deep, small in size, big in impact)
For the third summer, Laura and I are reading this little book together. The book we are reading is an abridged, moderized version - very well done. This is the deepest book on the spiritual journey I've ever read. I plan to re-read it every summer. It will take you into a connection with God's reality, God's time, and God's fire, seldom seen in any other book. It was complied after Kelley's death. It takes four different articles written in Kelly's last three years of his life. Little did Thomas Kelly know that his failure, his depression, and his last three years of freedom in Christ would return nearly 100 years later to bless millions. Wow, what a great little, big book!

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Thu, 06 Oct 2005 05:40:00 +0000

Fun - airplane book

Timeline by Michael Crichton (B+)

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Thu, 06 Oct 2005 05:33:00 +0000

I loved this novel in which a team of archeologists who are doing digs on some thirteenth century French and English castles are transported back into that period.I read this book for the express purpose of gaining a rough understanding of quantum science. It's a fascinating new discovery and kind of redefines the way we use or think of "science." I find that this new form of exploring our universe helps us better deal with questions about God that seem unanswerable (How could God never have a beginning? How can there be three distinct beings, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, and yet we worship only ONE God?). These and other questions might be better understood in light of what quantum science is now opening up to us. Besides the introduction, this is just fun reading.Leonard Sweet is another author who introduces this mind-blowing field in such a way that non-science guys like me are drawn in and want to come back for more (Love this guys stuff).Very fun book - read it!

Easy, very fun, & good for you READ (GOOD BOOKS)

noreply@blogger.com (RadRev) — Tue, 04 Oct 2005 04:57:00 +0000

Try this book out, especially if you're not much of a reader: Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson.

Written back in 1998 it's a great book, I read it in less than an hour, that will be around for a long time. My Son Gordon just finished it, and so I read it while working out at the club. If you struggle with change, this book is a must read. It's really fun reading that will so help anyone who wants to sharpen up on "change."

This is a fun book to read with a small group of friends (work or social) and discuss.