Friday Movie Pick: Action & a Romantic Comedy

In today's Friday Movie Pick, two films have caught my eye. If you get a chance to see either one, drop me a comment and let me know what you thought.

The film Taken might be considered a look at a retired version of James Bond or Jason Bourne because Liam Neeson plays an ex-spy. Nesson’s character Bryan Mills learns that his estranged daughter is in some trouble. Mills goes on mission using his previous knowledge as a spy to recuse his daughter. This film is an action-spy flick, of which I really enjoy watching. I am looking forward to seeing Neeson as a spy.

Kari and I have been looking forward to New in Town. We have seen the preview several times and we probably will go see it soon. I enjoy watching Renée Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr. on the big screen and to have them together should be a nice mix. Zellweger plays Lucy Hill a Miami-based consultant. Very fimilar with a big town, her job leads her to a small-town in Minnesota. Hence the name, Lucy Hill is “new in town.” While in town she meets Connick’s character Ted Mitchell. After various circumstances her experience in small town Minnesota forces her to reconsider her personal and professional objectives.

I hope everyone has great weekend. God Bless.

Welcome Shiner Scott!

In May, I awarded the first annual Number One Fan to Becky Jo. Today she gave birth to Shiner Scott weighting in at 7lbs. 12 ounces and he is 20.5 inches long. Congrats to her and Matthew.

God Bless.

Blizzard 2009: Central Texas

Austin, TX – We all know that it does get very cold here very often, but when it does usually panic and chaos breakout. Law enforcement usually records a record high number in accidents and most people find it to be a great excuse to be late for work (sorry boss).

I think I know why. I have attached a picture of my driver side window. Yes, I actually used that little hole to see out the left side of my car. I knew that my car was going to be iced over this morning, but I thought I had an ice scraper in my trunk (you might be thinking “you own an ice scraper!”). I think I bought one five years ago for some reason, maybe just to have one. I got in my car and quickly realized the defroster wasn’t going to do all the work for me.

I popped the trunk and searched for my novelty ice scraper. Instead of the scraper I found a CD. I don’t know what people do with 8-tracks; I do know people hang records on the wall and cassette tapes, what happened to them? Well I found a CD’s new use, an ice scraper.

I am wise enough to scrap off the windshield (at least I can see what is coming at me and where I am going, right?). I went to task scrapping my windshield off with a CD. It was going great until the CD snapped in half. By this point, there was plenty of ice removed so I hit the road. To consider driving mostly blind with a small hole to peek out of, I am certain the “I can drive it anyway” mentality is what causes most of those wrecks.

Well enough reflection, I made it to work without mishap and those around me seemed to be driving well too. I hope that everyone is staying warm and is having a great Wednesday. God Bless.

*Disclaimer: For those of you concerned that CD’s were harmed in my ice scrapping this morning, well one did split in half, but it was a burned CD probably full of music that I have saved to my hard drive anyway.

Weekend Highlights

Friday Night Lights season three is in full swing on NBC (8pm central). Kari and I enjoyed watching the football/high school drama filmed in Pflugerville and Del Valle.

Saturday I worked 8 hours from 6am-2pm and than made a Wal-Mart run to get some necessities and than took care of my wife the rest of the evening (morning sickness is continuing to hang around).

That evening, we went to get a few maternity clothes and found a diaper bag @ the mall. We ran into Rachael and Melissa, watched the mall cop due his duties and saw two high school guys have an “unplanned” concert in the mall.

Sunday the Playlist continued @ the Well and Jason rocked the sermon.

We cruised to Smithville to have lunch, movie and visit with my mom. We swung by and saw my Mama and Papa's house in Bastrop.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Added a new poll, is Baby a boy or girl, drop a vote. God Bless and Happy Tuesday!

First Blah Monday

Today it is very nasty outside (no, not a blizzard or flood). I don’t think I saw the sun once today. When the alarm went off this morning it was not bright in the room, instead rather dull; hence, I wanted to go back to sleep, but couldn’t. It is so foggy, I can barely see across the street. When I walk outside, the mist is so thick it is almost raining, but its not.

This is the first blah Monday I can remember in a while. We are in a drought, recession and it won’t stay cold or hot for more than two days (thanks Texas). I am looking forward to the cold front headed our way, maybe it will move some of this nasty fog out of the way.

You know, it has not been that bad of a day, but the weather does seem to set the mood. I hope everyone had a great weekend. I will post a few highlights tomorrow. God Bless

Coming tomorrow: Weekend Highlights

Friday Movie Pick: Inkheart

When I first saw the previews for this film I wasn’t too impressed, but I have since changed my mind. This film is the first book in the Inkworld trilogy of young adult-child fantasy by Cornelia Funke continues the wave of fantasy novel adaptations. I have not read this book, but understand that it originates from German.

Mo 'Silvertongue' Folchart played by Brendan Fraser reads character from a book to life. These characters read alive come from a story set in medieval times. According to imdb.com Mo, “release[s] figures out of the page[s] and into the real world…[and when] the darker side of his stories appear…[they] reek havoc and destruction.” This fantasy story, Inkheart, looks to be a good film, but I will not run to the theaters to see it. I am curious to know what you thought about the film, drop me a comment and let me know.

Have a great weekend. God Bless.

Timothy Geithner Endorsed by Senate Committee

In Washington, DC today the Senate Finance Committee voted 18-5 endorsing Timothy Geithner for the nomination of Treasury Secretary. I love the new change that has hit DC.

“Geithner apologized…for his past failure to pay more than $34,000 in self-employment taxes between 2001 and 2004.”

I apology for running the red light twice, can I get an appointment? Are you serious? $34,000 in tax dollars unpaid, sounds un-American to me and illegal. Oh and only 5 of our senate representatives see this as a problem, but 18 are okay with it.

Oversight?

Ever Put Hand Soap on Your Toothbrush?

As I was getting ready to take Kari to the hospital this morning for an upper abdominal ultrasound, I stood in front of the mirror and dispensed our hand soap on to my toothbrush. I guess I woke up or the size and color was wrong, but suddenly I realized what I was doing. I vigorously washed off my toothbrush with hot water before applying some toothpaste (I guess my toothbrush is clean now).

We headed for the car because the appointment was at 7:30am and my start time was 8:30am; plenty of time to have the scan, get Kari home and than go to work (or so I thought). I had a satchel with me and so I reached for the back seat door handle, but came up empty handed because it wasn’t there. I was attempting to open the backseat of a short bed pickup truck, not our vehicle. Kari asked, “Are you ok to drive?” I replied, “sure, I think.” I walked over to the right vehicle and we were on our way to the hospital.

The OBGYN wanted Kari to have an upper abdominal ultrasound to make sure everything was working properly in the liver, kidneys, etc. We checked in at 7:03am, but did not go back till about 8:00am. I was not worried about work because I had given a proper warning of my tardiness, but it was in the back of my mind. I was able to watch the ultrasound and see Kari’s organs. It was highly interesting.

Kari asked, “Can we see Baby?” The ultrasound operator replied, “I was going to surprise you with that. We will wrap this up and check on Baby.” I was excited with anticipation. If you recall, the last time we saw Baby, he or she was the size of a grain of rice. On Tuesday, Kari and I got to hear the heartbeat which sounded like, “whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.” That was very exciting.

Mr. Ultrasound operator, asked, “If we had seen the baby since our first ultrasound,” and we replied, “no.” He said, “OK, than I will let you take the first picture of baby!” WOW, what an awesome overwhelming excitement enveloped me. I took hold of the instrument and pressed down against Kari’s tummy. A head popped up on the screen, than arms, a body and a pair of legs. I am pretty sure Baby waved at me. He pointed out the nose, lips and than inquired, “Are you guys going to find out if it is a boy or a girl?” We looked at one another and replied, “Yes!” He smiled and said, “Alright, let’s see what we can find...”

Since this wasn’t the official ultrasound scheduled on February 18, 2009, we are going to wait on the findings of Mr. Ultrasound operator till than, so stay tuned to Insert Title Here for the official announcement.

Tune in tomorrow for Friday Movie Pick. God Bless

Crown Films – 2008 4th Quarter News & 2009 1st Quarter Updates

Crown Films had a devastating 4th Quarter. After the filming a series of unreleased Mac vs. PC commercials, owner and operator Mr. Hellums misplaced his video camera charger. Concerning misplacement, there is a difference between lost and misplaced. Often times Mr. Hellums will hide things from himself and later find them. That was the case of the Missing Video Charger. On January 19, 2009, the case of the Missing Video Charger was solved. In a little pink bag with hearts by his wife’s night stand was the video charger. Crown Films did film a Christmas Show at the Well on Decemeber 14th and hopes to have the editing completed sometime in the first quarter. To sum up the entire 4th quarter of 2008, it was spent trying to find the video charger.

2009 1st Quarter has been successful because production is back on. I received an e mail recently from a buddy who was going through the Crown Films vault on youtube and found two missing films. These two films were pre-Crown Film days, but still projects credited to Mr. Hellums. Episode One and Episode Two: Chili Bowl are stand alone taunts to the students by the adults of FLBC about an upcoming flag football game. These films were released in 2005 and 2006, but never upload to youtube. They will be featured on Insert Title Here later this month.

Part of the 1st Quarter was spent searching for the camera charger, but during the rest of the quarter production planning has already begun. Discussions with The Barid-8 owner Cody about the resurrection of another Chili Bowl themed film is the most recent project Crown Films has considered. No details have been released yet, but rumors of another Chili Bowl film are increasing. After a lunch meeting with Phoenix Films (after some recent restructuring) owner Keith, several plots and scripts have been discussed by the two owners. No official announcement has been made about filming times and locations, but production is expected to start soon. In addition, Crown Films will be partnering up with Well Entertainment for more films in 2009.

Crown Films will also be working on a baby related film. Rumor of a documentary style film of his own wife’s pregnancy has been discussed. No formal agreement has been made with his wife at post time.

Stay tuned to Insert Title Here for more Crown Films news and releases.

Inauguration Day: President Obama Take Office

Four year ago today, Will, Warren and I attended President George W. Bush's second inauguration. Today marks the end of Bush’s eight years and the beginning of President Barack Obama term in office. We had talked about attending this year, but current circumstances forced our decision to not attend.

Insert Title Here was not around in January 2005, so here are a few highlights from the inauguration:

• The Metro (train) was packed like a can of sardines.

• It was really cold, so we had huge coats on and thermal underwear (nice and warm!).

• Security was tight and the lines were long.

• We were so far from the capitol and video screens; we basically heard the inauguration instead of saw.

• Our feet were frozen. There was a “light dusting” which equaled 3 inches of snow the day before, we got to stand on that…BRRRRR!

• The parade was awesome, but the only glimpse of any politician we got to see was Dick Cheney’s hand waving as he rolled up the window.

• Let’s not forget all the protestors!

I am disappointed we won’t be able to attend today’s ceremony (I just hope I get to see some of it on TV). I have not completely bought into this new administartion, but no matter what it is a very historic day for our country. I pray that our new President and his family make the move to the White House as easily as possible and he looks to God for guidence in the many decisions he will be faced with. God Bless.

MLK Day

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction....The chain reaction of evil--hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars--must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1963

The Movement by Mark Batterson

I think Batterson has some good thoughts in his post entitled The Movement. I enjoyed this part of the post:

"We've got to quit playing defense and start playing offense. We need to quit fighting amongst ourselves and start loving our enemies. We need to quit pointing out problems and become part of the solution." -concerning "what's wrong with the church?"

Follow the link to check out the rest of the post.

I hope that you have a blessed Sunday.

What Will the Judge Say?

A few days ago my father-in-law called and said, “We got a picture of your car (talking to Kari) in the mail from the City of Hutto.” That’s right, I ran a red light and they snapped a photo of it. Obviously I am guilty of running the red light, but why did I run the red light?

Scene of the Crime: I am cruising through the town of Hutto on highway 79 going the appropriate speed limit, 50 or 55 (really Mom, I wasn’t speeding). Kari is in the passenger seat half asleep and Carter is in his pet taxi in the back of the vehicle. It is dark outside, approximately 9 or 10pm and traffic flow is light. At about 50 yards before the intersection, the light turns yellow.

Here the Dilemma: I know the red light cameras are there (protecting and serving). I start to slow down, but realize that it will not be enough to have the vehicle completely stopped before I get to the intersection. Maybe, I could have slammed on my brakes and stopped in time, but I decided not to slam on my brakes for fear of hurting my passengers. I mashed the accelerator down to the floor in hopes of getting through before the camera flashed.

Did I run the red light? Yes. Do I think it warrants a ticket? No.

What will the judge say? Please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions.

Friday Movie Pick: Paul Blart: Mall Cop

“Nobody knows this mall better than I do.” Paul Blart played by Kevin James

Paul Blart: Mall Cop hits theaters today and I am very excited. I know I might have said I was very excited about previous Friday Movie Picks, but this one is going to be a riot.

Co-written by the star of the film Kevin James, Paul Blart protecting and serving the mall takes on a "gang of organized criminals" according to imdb.com. James, slightly overweight, desperately wants to be a cop and has an opportunity to "save the mall." I crack up laughing every time I see him attempt to slide behind the mall kiosk and not make it. I have become a Kevin James fan through his T.V. show and recent films. This film should generate many laughs and I am looking forward to it.

A Bonus Friday Movie Pick: My Bloody Valentine 3-D is not my style of movie, but the 3-D sounds pretty neat. I think there is about a 10% chance I would actually go to the theater and see it, but I like the idea of a scary story in 3-D.

Well, that's a wrap. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Coming this weekend: What Will the Judge Say?

A Few Notes

• My wife threw up three times Tuesday, but none Wednesday..."please be the beginning of the end of morning sickness," is my prayer.


• Kari used Will's recipe for soup the other night; I forgot the roast @ H.E.B. and it still turned out amazing!


• If it is going to be this cold outside; can we get some snow or at least some ice?


• We are reading and studying James in bible study: 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."


• Carter is a crazy dog; I wonder why he runs around in circles and sometimes I wonder what he is thinking..."Just take me outside and let me mark my territory."


• I am trying to talk to Baby every night; apparently Baby can "hear" or feel the sound vibrations, sweet!


• Need for Speed in HD looks very clean, but the cops keep pulling me over.


• Oh, and how 'bout them Arizona Cardinals!


• Please continue to keep us in your prayers; many decision are looming in the next couple of months.

God Bless

Current Reading List

I just wrapped up reading The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. For some reason, this book series eluded me as a child, but am glad I read it and highly recommend it.

After receiving a gift card to Barnes & Noble from my mother in law, I picked up the title President Reagan The Role Of A Lifetime by Lou Cannon. Cannon a journalist in Washington D.C. during his presidency has written three books about Reagan and so far I have enjoyed the read. It is not a hard read, but I am learning new words.

In addition, on the night stand is Eldest by Christopher Paolini. This is the second in Paolini’s Inheritance series, which I heard got a bad review. I am not letting the reviews hold me back; I am just taking it for what its worth and am willing to see how Eragon develops as a Dragon Rider.

One last book that I am actively reading sits on my night stand is A.W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy. This book is full of so much wisdom. I can sometimes only read a paragraph, before I have to stop and think about what he is saying. It is a thin book, but it takes a lot of processing because it pretty deep stuff.

What are you reading? If you have any recommendations on a good book, I am always willing to take it. Have a great Wednesday.

God Bless

San Antonio Wedding Weekend

Lyle Lovett’s song San Antonio Girl comes to mind when I think of San Antonio.

Friday evening we traveled to downtown San Antonio for a weekend getaway and wedding. The La Quinta (next to Bill Miller’s Barbque, not Denny’s) was a stones throw from the Riverwalk. We enjoyed a late dinner on the Riverwalk and the wonderful atmosphere San Antonio offers.

Saturday we planned to do the Mission Trail before the wedding, but plans changed. Kari and I had continental breakfast and than went back to the room. Kari was not feeling to well so we relaxed in the room; I got some reading time and Kari got some rest.

In the early afternoon we went over to Live Oak in Northeast San Antonio to attend Andie’s wedding and to hook up with Kim. Kim (Mizzou) and Kari were “Roommates!”and continue to remain wonderful friends even though several states separate them.

Andie’s wedding was funny and beautiful. An interesting note from the service: Both bride and groom had written dream qualities of their future spouse. These were posted on their myspace page prior to their meeting one another and were read aloud at the service. It was very neat to hear that almost every quality listed was what one another was looking for. Oh, and another note: They had a candy bar set up at the reception with several candy jars and bags to make yourself a goodie bag. M&M’s and Skittles were a huge hit for myself.

The evening came to a close and we headed to the hotel to get changed. Before we got food, Mizzou presented Kari and baby a few gifts. Pictured above is a homemade blanket with an "H" in the center made by Mizzou. As you can tell by Kari's expression, we were very surprised and excited. After than, we headed over to Mi Terra Café. A family favorite of the Davenport’s, Kari was a pro, but Mizzou and I had never been. After a well worth it hour wait, we were seated and ordered some queso and guacamole. WOW; they were both very good. Filling up on chips and dip, we ordered off the kids menu. I had a cheese enchilada and a beef taco. Both of these items, plus the rice and beans were amazing.

A little after eleven on Sunday morning, we dropped Kim off at the airport. The infrastructure approaching the airport in San Antonio is nice and easy to navigate, but the airport is under construction. I am guessing once all the construction is complete; the San Antonio International Airport will be pretty nice.

Having the day off, Brandon joined us for our trip down Mission Trail. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park includes four missions, their churches and other historic sites. I will spare every detail of each mission, but from north to south they are: Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan Capistrano and Mission Espada. I snapped a few pictures and enjoyed reading about these historic sites.

Kari and I got home about 3pm and took a long nap. We got up and ate some McDonalds and than went right back to bed. It was a great weekend. I hope that each of you had a great one too.

God Bless

Not Man, But God

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God gave the increase." I Corinthians 3:6

I sometimes think its all about me; how can I get this person into church, what graphic will work, what song, etc. My buddy blogged about a similar topic and I commented, “I have been considering just grabbing people and shaking them till they come to Jesus…wait, that won’t work.”

The above verse reminds me that I can only do so much, but the rest is ALL in God’s hands.

For those of you struggling with trying to win the world for Christ in an hour; take a deep breath and realize you are one of many tools in God’s big toolbox.

God Bless.

Friday Movie Pick: Gran Torino

Clint Eastwood is acting and directing again in his new film Gran Torino. I have gotten very excited about this film each time I have seen the preview. At 78 years old, Eastwood continues to scare anyone who crosses his path. From the previews, this looks like a very raw, rough and manly movie. This film looks well directed and acted by Eastwood.

Eastwood plays a Korean War veteran, Walt Kowalski, who intends on making the neighborhood a better and safer place after his 1972 Gran Torino is almost stolen. Kowalski seems to scare the “thugs” with physical brutality and a gruff tone. There is a clip that shows Kowalski carrying a shotgun of sorts, so it should get interesting.

One very noteworthy Eastwood line in the film:

“Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have messed with? That's me.”

I think the film explores how a veteran deals with the memories of war. It should be a good pick. If you get to see it, let me know what you think. Have a great weekend. God Bless.

College Football Rant*

Since this has been football week @ Insert Title Here, I figured I would pitch a few of my thoughts about NCAA Football and the BCS:

- The BCS doesn't work!

- The game last night was lame. I watched the majority of the game and was disappointed. Florida won, but both teams play so sloppy; busted plays, interceptions and punts (back and forth).

- I do think the time off is to blame for some of this rusty play, but a championship game should be better than last night’s game (I also thought the Fiesta bowl was lame, till the 2nd half).

- Utah is not the national champion (Rick Riley) nor should they be number two.

- Alabama was overrated all season long. They can thank Nick Saben for being number one, but when Flordia (a good team) came knocking they folded.

Oh, that is enough ranting, complaining or whatever. As I told Warren, "they didn't ask us to vote, so it doesn't really matter what we say."

Regular posts to come later today…Friday Movie Pick is coming up this evening. Have a good one.

*This will be the last of the football coverage.

Tebow doesn't let the haters affect him by Pat Forde

This article hit espn.com on Tuesday 6, 2009 and I thought it was well written. Tim Tebow is a young man who has his head on straight and gives all the glory to God. Check out the link, it is worth the time.

Oh...and go Flordia. I am not cheering for OU, Keith!

Football Confession

In my previous post The Cowboys are Back & Headed to Tampa I made a bold prediction that the Dallas Cowboys would be in the Super Bowl this coming February. For those of you waiting for this:

“I was wrong!”

In my defense, I did not think the ‘boys would have a major meltdown, lack of leadership and no desire to win (maybe they had desire, but it was not reflected in their play). I am definitely not predicating the Cowboys to come back next season and be better, because at this point no off-season moves have restored my confidence in the Cowboys.

Who am I rooting for in the playoffs? The Arizona Cardinals. I would like to see Kurt Warner win another Super Bowl.

Go Cards!

Hook 'em! Ohio State 21, (3) Texas 24

Hello 2009!

I have not had a chance to really sit down and write in 2009, but today ends that writing drought.

Another cold front has hit Central Texas with a high projected at 39 degrees today. I don’t really mind the cold; I just pull out a beanie and cover my head. Hang around, it will be back in the 70’s by Wednesday.

Kari continues to be sick. She has been having these marathon vomit sessions. Ok, so maybe the word marathon is stretching the story a little bit, but basically, she feels nauseous all day and vomits at least twice a day. I am sure I would be complaining a lot, but she only really complains during the vomit sessions, so I figure she is pretty tough!

At church we started a new sermon series called Playlist. The series focuses on David’s Songs of Accent from Psalm 120-134. We are featuring songs from member’s playlist or favorite “ultimate road-trip” songs. You can listen online @ www.thewellinaustin.com or come visit us on Sunday mornings at 10:30am.

I have started the attempt to kick my soda habit. I have done this once before and saw wonderful results from just drinking water (and sometimes tea or coffee), but I have slipped back into drinking too much soda. Please encourage me to drink water and not soda, if we break bread or chips and salsa together.

I hope that everyone had a great New Year and has a good week. God Bless.

Urbi et Orbi

"If people look only to their own interests, our world will certainly fall apart."

- Pope Benedict XVI from 2008 Christmas Day message "Urbi et Orbi" – Latin for "to the City and to the World."