Hermie - Who's in Charge Anyway?

To be honest, I thought this was a book, not a DVD. However, in order to get a ground-level perspective of this short movie, I asked my 5 year old niece to watch the movie and then answer a few questions regarding it.

I asked her to answer the following 6 questions:

1) Did she like it?

2) What was her favorite part?

3) What was her least favorite part?

4) Was it boring?

5) Would she tell her friends to watch it?

6) Would she spend her mom and dad’s money to go to see it in the theater?

Her answers are as follows:

1) Not really.

2) I don’t have any favorite parts.

3) The characters look weird.

4) Yes, I didn’t even finish it.

5) No way.

6) No, just candy.

There you have it. The perspective of this movie on a 5 year old!

Will the World End in 2012? – Raymond C. Hundley, Ph.D.

With all the interest swirling around these days with respect to the end of the world as we know it, it seems that this book is relevant. There are many avenues to the realization that the end is near, from the Mayan calendar to religious predictions, and everything in between. The book describes 10 of the most popular, giving each space enough to explain their footing, followed by a realistic conclusion.
I found the book to be relevant from my perspective as a Christian. It seems that quite a bit of relevance has been placed on things like the Mayan calendar, which is supposed to end on December 21, 2012. Two sides are discussed in the book, one being the end of the calendar is doom inspiring, while the other merely says it is a significant change in humanity.
Scientific aspects are divulged regarding planetary alignment with the galaxy, huge solar flares, and the effect on the Earth. This effect could be anything from huge earthquakes, giant tsunami’s, and major volcanic reactions (the biggest example being Yellowstone).
Personally, I find this growing discussion over the end of the world fascinating, but perhaps not from the angle calculated by those who may read this: It just makes for good reading. I have no fear for tomorrow, or 2012. If the end comes, so be it. If it does not, so be it. I will continue to live on the Earth, or live with Jesus and God in Heaven. I cannot lose!
I would say this book is a good read for someone looking for a central explanation of the differing theories being presented regarding the end of the world in 2012 (or in general). It reads easy and quickly (I read it in 2 hours). It will be money well spent!

The Revolutionary Paul Revere - Joel J. Miller

We have always heard about the role of Paul Revere at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, but we probably have not heard his complete story. This book recounts that history to a very rich and full extent.
In this book, we get a glimpse of his past, including the arrival of his father from France. I had no idea that Paul's father was French. This book outlines Paul's history, from cradle to grave, and is replete with information regarding his active role within the Patriotic movement, most of which I am certain has not been taught previously.
Another aspect of this book that I found enlightening was another perspective of the oppressive tactics used by the English monarchy during this period, and the ways they justified their actions. Aspects of the various taxes and levies placed upon the American colony are illumined with new light, and from a new perspective.
I was so captivated by this book, only the need for sleep would prompt me to put it down. This book is written very well, and is quite easily read. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a biography about what can now be understood as a man whose role was larger than realized, especially with respect to the Patriotic movement in Boston, MA.
I believe anyone who reads this book will be pleased!

A Century Turns – by William J. Bennett

This is a good follow-on to the previous two historical references by William J. Bennett, America: The Last Best Hope, volumes 1 and 2. I only say good because I feel we are still too close to the things outlined in this book, historically speaking. However, the topics are quite relevant and still fresh in my personal memory. It was a great refresher to fill in the fuzzy areas. Regardless of what Michael states as a disclaimer in the book (based on his notes and recollections), I find them to be quite accurate and very enlightening. He has perspective I did not consider, both at the time of occurrence and now.

I would recommend this book to anyone who would like a fair look at the happenings of the 1980’s, 1990’s, and 2000’s (up to 2008). I particularly enjoyed the recitation of George H.W. Bush’s and Bill Clinton’s presidencies. The 2000’s is a little weak, again because we are just too close to that period historically.

Overall a wonderful book that is well prepared, and very easy to read. Just like his previous two volumes, this one reads more like a story (and an amazing one at that!) and is somewhat hard to put down. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a relatively unbiased review of these eras.

Our Colorado Leadership

It's amazing. Colorado's Governor Ritter and the state legislation can't seem to get it right. I don't know if you've noticed, but I've removed my Amazon.com sticker from my sidebar. Why, you ask? Because our illustrious and inept leadership in this state (NOT elected by me!) enacted HB 10-1193, Coloradans are no longer eligible to do business with Amazon.com. The "business" I'm referring to is what Amazon calls the "Amazon Associates Program," whereby people can reference their website and receive funds back if purchases are made. So, an "unintended" consequence to this legislation is that revenue streams are removed for many citizens of Colorado.

Thank you Governor Ritter and a Colorado Democrat Congress! Perhaps consideration of the long term effect would be smart. With this and the equally inept energy bill, Governor Ritter and the state congress is responsible for reducing jobs and income streams for the state.

Way to go! November can't com soon enough.

Rediscovering God in America - Newt Gingrich

This book gives a wonderful walking tour of the major monuments within the Washington DC area as well as a description of the building of the monument in question and the purpose behind it. But the most important function that this book performs is the fact that it relates the Christian motivation behind these monuments, and the men they commemorate.
While this book did not deepen my faith, it did in fact reinforce my understanding of the foundation of the United States upon God. The fact that this book outlines the many monuments that have deep religious ties to the creation and furtherance of this great country is paramount. While there is a movement in the United States to eradicate all vestiges of the Godly references in all federal and state buildings and other properties, one has to wonder the lengths to which the American populace will allow this movement to progress. Will they be successful in defacing the majority of the monuments and have no outcry of public opposition?
My personal hope and prayer is that the reality of the defacing of the country will be realized by the majority of Americans and it will be put to an end. This book can go a long ways to waking up Americans to the absolute bedrock foundation this country has with God.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in (re)discovering the foundational aspects of the United States!

My Strength

A little note on this. I was sitting in class on December 10th(prior to its beginning), and I was thinking and discussing my final paper for my Biblical Analysis class. Part of the assignment is the actual analysis paper, but there's a 2nd, creative, portion. I'm an engineer; the most creative thing that I call elegant is how to adequately prioritize data packets as they traverse the network. But, as I began to reread the portion of Scripture that I was doing my analysis on, I had a desire to write some text down. What follows is the text, and it is what I will be turning in as my creative portion of my final paper.

"As I move along on my journey, I ponder where my strength is coming from. Certainly, my body is my transport mechanism and the trail or road provides the path from my feet, but where does my strength come from?

I scan the terrain around me, seeing flowered plains and snow capped mountains, and the ponds, streams, and lakes that dot the landscape, but where does my strength come from, because it certainly doesn't come from my physical surroundings.

Then, in the middle of my viewing the things of power and beauty around me, I am suddenly struck by a realization! All of my strength comes from my Lord, the creator of all the strength and beauty around me! My Lord, who created even me, is my strength!

My Lord is so mindful of me that he provides me the sure footing required to stay on this path even when it is immensely treacherous. My Lord watches over me at all times and is always watching for my safety. It is as if He never sleeps!

When my trails lead me into areas that are very hot and no shade is available, He provides me shade and comfort. My Lord will protect me from the heat of the day and the cold of the night. When evening comes, and temperatures drop to frigid levels, He provides me the warmth to survive.

There are times in my travels where I come upon populated areas that are filled with very dangerous and hateful people. But, I need not worry for my life as my Lord is there to protect me as well! He keeps me safe in these environs and prepares for me tables of plenty even when my enemies are present. My Lord seals my safety in his arms!

Just as the Lord guides me, protects me, and gives me strength, He will do the same for you! He will keep your footing sure; He will keep the sun from causing injury; He will keep you warm; He will protect you from your enemies, from now to forever!!"

My passage is Psalms 121
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%20121&version=ESV