Build, Baby, Build

I've been pretty vocal in my opposition to the majority of President Obama's agenda. However, there is a proposal he's made recently which has my support - increasing nuclear power in the U.S. Here's the story from Bloomberg.

Yet Another Reason To Be A Global Warming Skeptic...

Backpedalling again from the UN report. It seems their "consensus" was an interview with a "single Indian glaciologist". That's ONE scientist. Oh, also, he admits there may very well be more errors in the report. This makes the second UN climate "expert" this month to cast doubt on the UN report.

The Blind Side

This movie is full of life lessons. I don't have to write about it, however - my good friend Rosie Booth has already done it and done it well. Read her take here.

Copenhagen Climate Change Cost Not Cheap

Sometimes you just have to laugh or you'll scream. At a time of outrageous budget deficits, double-digit unemployment, etc., here's an article about the cost of the Congressional delegation's trip to the Climate Change summit. (Mind you the facts were hard to come by as Speaker Pelosi was not forthcoming.) This isn't a partisan issue - Dems and Repubs were part of this group. This is particularly laughable considering a Hungarian physicist claims to have proven CO2 emissions are irrelevant to the earth's climate.

Global Cooling? Yep!

I'm part of the increasingly loud segment of the population who thinks global warming is a hoax. While warming may have occurred, it was part of the normal cyclical order of things. Now even a UN scientist is admiting so-called global warming may be giving way to global cooling. From this map, the response across much of the nation is "Duh!".

Trying to review Twilight

This past summer while being a chaperone on the TCA class of 2009’s Senior Trip, I spent an afternoon on our balcony listening to the ocean and absolutely devouring the first book in the Twilight series.

The writing is horrendous. I mean really amateur stuff here. BUT, Meyers did get me to care about the characters enough to want to know what happened next even as I wanted to shake Bella repeatedly and scream at Meyers for her obsessive love of adverbs.

I struggled with writing a review. I thought my friend Coral did a good job. I wasn’t sure why I couldn’t quite nail down my feelings regarding the book. I knew my discomfort wasn’t in regard to the whole vampire thing (I’m a big Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan) and there are redeemable elements in the Twilight series (two lovers wait for marriage to consummate their relationship, Edward’s protection of Bella, the Cullen clan’s suppression of natural desire, i.e., drinking human blood, for greater good).

Rev. Doug Wilson is reading the book and doing a chapter by chapter review of it. I don’t think he is completely correct in his assessment of the book (aside from the lambasting of the writing!), but his reviews do provide food for thought. Here are the reviews for the first 8 chapters of Twilight. If interested, you can follow future reviews at Credenda Agenda:

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8

The Man Behind Rudolph

For my generation, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is inextricably linked with my memories of Christmas. Sharing this is one of many things that make Rosie Booth a kindred spirit of the closest kind. In fact, we both blogged about it within days of each other back in 2006. Here’s her take and here’s mine.

I have Rose to thank for this entry. She recently blogged on her favorite Christmas movies. (I listed my top three here, here and here.) Being a writer at heart, Rosie’s blog made me curious – what group of writers do I have to thank for some of my favorite Christmas specials? The answer was singular – Romeo Muller.

If the show had real heart in it, chances are Mr. Muller wrote it. His credits read like a Who’s Who of favorite Christmas specials: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Little Drummer Boy, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey, The Stingiest Man In Town and several more Christmas specials. (Mr. Muller also penned a wonderful, although lesser known, holiday special for the Thanksgiving season called Mouse on the Mayflower.)

While writing for the legendary Jack Benny, Muller was discovered by CBS founder William Paley and tapped to write for the prestigious Studio One (he would go on to write one of the show’s most popular episodes). However, it was in 1963 that Muller’s true big break came when he met Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass and began a relationship that would produce iconic television specials.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is universally acknowledged as the most popular holiday special of all time. What isn’t as well known is most of the story was developed by Romeo Muller. Muller supplemented the well-known Johnny Marks song with his characters of Sam the Snowman, Hermey, Clarice, Yukon, the Abdominal Snow Monster, King Moonracer and the Misfit Toys, as well as the other Elves and reindeer.

A biography on RankinBass.com says of Muller: “Romeo was a simple man who enjoyed having dinner with friends and watching old movies. He would screen his old movie collection for friends and charitable organizations. He also collected old toy trains and whenever he could write a train into one of his screenplays, he did.”

Romeo Muller’s Christmas specials always seemed to reference the true meaning of Christmas. How appropriate for a man who in 1959 wrote an episode of one of the first religious television programs, Lamp Unto My Feet.

His last project was his favorite. It was a special called Noel about a Christmas Ornament named Noel that brought happiness to whatever household he joined. The oft-repeated line of the show was the cheerful ornament saying, “My name is Noel and I have happiness.” Noel, or Christmas, has as its Latin root natalis or birth. Once again Muller had reminded his viewers of the true meaning of Christmas as it is indeed a birth that brought happiness.

Muller treasured a Christmas card received from a fan with these words: “...Those specials were as much a tradition in my parents’ home as the Christmas tree itself, and have become a tradition with my own children. You must be very proud of the joy you have brought to children all over, even me, a simple girl from the Midwest. Without knowing it, your visit to our homes each Christmas through your specials, was just as important as a visit from Grandma and Grandpa. My son thinks you are the greatest thing since sliced bread and, in all honesty, his mom thinks so too. God bless you during this holiday season, and once again, ‘Thank you’ for everything you’ve given.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Muller was diagnosed with cancer shortly before he died of a heart attack in his sleep, ironically during the season for which he is most famous, Christmas.

Afghanistan Speech

It's Christmas and I'm avoiding political diatribes, so I'm just going to link to Der Spiegel's summary of President Obama's speech. I have friends in Afghanistan. I take this personally.

Money, Money, Money, Money

As most friends know, I have serious concerns about this administration's policies and practices especially regarding their economic effects. One economist I have great respect for is Peter Schiff. He's been right all along. Here's proof.

By the way, seems the Saturday Night Live writers may share some of my concerns. Seen this?

No kids for you - too much Carbon Footprint!

Here's a link to my girl's blog on this hogwash.

Canine Welcoming

For Veterans Day - Here are some great videos of soldiers being welcomed home by their dogs.

Callous Commander

Insensitivity has been a hallmark of this administration, though rarely pointed out by anyone but conservatives. The President's handling of the Ft. Hood shooting is the latest example. When the mainstream media has reports critical of President Obama, you know things are bad. Here's one of the stories.

Change of Heart Toward Life

The battle over abortion is the front line of the culture war. It is the front line in the fight to redirect our nation to a truly hopeful change and future. Sanctioning the murder of innocent unborn children has created a culture of death that has permeated our society and had a destructive impact on our citizens, most importantly our young people.

My husband teaches Ethics at a local Christian school. One topic discussed is abortion. He pulls no punches in educating the students on just what abortion is. It has been stunning to learn the word has become such a part of our society that some students really didn't know what all was involved in the procedure. Students are horrified as they learn the true gruesomeness of "choice."

It was with great joy I read the story of a former director of a Planned Parenthood clinic having a "change of heart" about her pro-choice stance after watching an ultrasound of an abortion being performed. The ultrasound technology has been a wonderful blessing in the Pro-Life fight as it gives us a 3-D view into the womb leaving little doubt that during pregnancy a human being is in residence there. You can see the interview here or read about her conversion here.

Of Grave Importance

If your tastes tend to run toward the macabre in October, this entry is for you.

Still arguing about whether the guy who played Gilligan is alive or dead? The answer is Bob Denver died several years ago at the age of 70. There is a website wholly devoted to answering your celebrity mortality questions. You can find it here.

In the latest issue of Kentucky Living, there is an article about a cemetery preservation group. These "History Hunters" or "Cemetery Sleuths" have taken on the often arduous task of restoring and documenting neglected burial grounds in Kentucky. They repair, restore and occasionally raise funds to replace missing gravestones. The whole story can be found here, but below is an excerpt which provides a key to understanding symbols often found on gravestones from the work of Gaylord Cooper, author of "Stories Told In Stone: Cemetery Iconology":

Anchor/ships - Hope or seafaring profession
Angel - Rebirth/resurrection
Bird - Eternal life
Full-Blown Rose - Prime of life
Columns and Doors - Heavenly entrance
Corn - Ripe old age
Hands Clasped - Goodbyes said at death
Ivy - Friendship, immortality
Oak Leaves and Acorn - Maturity, ripe old age
Open Book/Bible - Teach, minister, etc.
Thistle - Scottish Descent
Tree - Life

Sometimes a visit to a cemetary is a research endeavor. A few years ago, I plunged into genealogical research on my family. I walked through my paternal side's family cemetery with notebook in hand writing down dates of bith, death and marriages. It was a revelation. My maiden name is Dean, but my ancestors' names were Dean, Deane, Deen and Dane. Seems literacy and uniform spelling wasn't as common in days of old as it is now (and when you add in a southern accent, it's easy to see how the variations came about).

I was fooled into thinking discovering your family tree would be simply by coming across both my maternal and paternal grandmothers' lineages on line going back to the 1500-1600s. I would soon learn the Denton and Parmley branches were the exception, not the rule and that genealogical research is rarely simple.

If you have an interest in genealogy, here's a good place to start. Here are message boards associated with Genealogy.com which are usually very helpful.

Kathy Griffin & I Agree. What???!!

Never thought the day would come when the vulgar, D-listed supposed comedienne Kathy Griffin and I would agree on something, but it has happend. Ms. Griffin has actually defended the Tea Party movement as bipartisan. No, really, she has. Here's the proof. Of course, she couldn't do it without a shot at Sarah Palin, but did you really expect that she could?

Turning Our Back on Friends

Predictable and expected though it may be, President Obama's abandonment of missile defense for two allies will only further what is perceived as weakness in the current administration's foreign policy approach. Putin 1, Obama 0.

Here's a British view of it. And another view. I wonder if announcing this on the 70th anniversary of the Soviets invading Poland was purposeful.

The Hobbitt is on its way!

Finally the Tolkien family and moviemakers have settled their lawsuit! We can now look forward to a couple of film's based on Tolkien's, The Hobbit. The films are scheduled for release (tentatively) in 2011 and 2012.

Lord of the Rings trilogy director, Peter Jackson, will wear the hat of Executive Producer/Writer this time with Guillermo del Toro directing. While initially disappointed that Jackson would not be directing the two Hobbit films, I'm encouraged that Del Toro has gotten the job. His other films have Christian elements and I very much like his style. If you haven't seen the Hellboy films, give them a try - lots of Christian themes and allusions

Obama's Time Management Issues

President Obama did not participate in the National Day of Prayer. Okay. I don't like it but would have been more understanding if he had failed to participate in other religious activities. However, he has found time to have a Ramadan dinner at the White House. Makes me think his father influenced him more than he lets on. Here's the video.

Don't think we have to fear our government? Read this.

I believe Obama is a socialist. I believe he meant it when he said during the campaign that he wanted to revolutionize our nation. I truly believe the change he and his ilk want to bring to our nation will be the destruction of our republic. Think that's hyperbolic language? How about a desire to control the Internet. Wrapped in the terms of emergency security needs, this would give the president the power to disconnect private networks from the Internet. From the recent Iranian dissent to Chinese dissidents to others fighting for freedom behind totalitarian regimes, the Internet is essential for communication. This is one time conservatives and the ACLU are on the same side. Read about it here.

At the Movies: Last Chance Harvey, Bottle Shock, Transsiberian

Mars Candy Company used to have a great jingle to promote two of their candy bars, Mounds and Almond Joy: "Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't!" I thought about that jingle recently after watching a few small, independent films. Sometimes I want the blockbusters like Ironman, National Treasure, Transformers - pure mindless fun! On the other hand, there are times where I want a character study, a small, story-driven movie with interesting people. Here are three such movies for your consideration:

For those who love a good glass of wine and a David vs. Goliath story, try Bottle Shock. Based on the true story of Napa Valley's rise to respectability in the wine industry by besting French wines in a taste test by French judges held in France! This event became known as the Judgment of Paris. The movie, while taking a great deal of liberties in its portrayal of the actual people involved, is an entertaining look at Napa Valley when it was inhabited by romantics and hippies (before it became a billion dollar a year industry).

Told through the eyes of Parisian wine shop owner and very British Steve Spurrier and American winery owner and son Jim and Bo Barrett, Bottle Shock serves up family strive, comedic culture clashes, romantic triangles and lots of fun. The cinematography is gorgeous. The wine region is lovingly filmed. It stars the always wonderful Alan Rickman (Prof. Snape to the younger generation), Bill Pullman and Chris Pine (before he was James T. Kirk). Character actor Dennis Farina is a hoot as an American in Paris confidant to Rickman's Steve Spurrier.

Old enough to remember President Reagan's administration and Michael Jackson before he was weird? Then you are old enough to enjoy Last Chance Harvey. This is a grown-up romance starring Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson. Although hastily drawn, this character sketch gives us a surprisingly rounded look at Harvey and Kate. There are real cringe-inducing scenes in the film which you will relate to if you have ever felt like the guy wearing brown shoes with a black suit. A chance meeting of the pair results in an unlikely friendship and some self-revelations, including a hesitancy to hope as Kate says, "I'm more comfortable with being disappointed. I'm angry with you for trying to take that away". The movie's plot is predictable, but the accomplished actors make it a very enjoyable journey.

[Bonus: For another grown-up romantic comedy, try Shall We Dance.]

For a more serious movie, there's Transsiberian. This movie will leave you pondering long after the credits role. Remarkable in its positive portrayal of Christians and thought-provoking for the symbolism woven throughout, this movie explores themes which will intrigue the Christian audience. Things to consider: The monologue of the pastor at the beginning of the film, the setting on a mode of transportation, the snow, the lumber falling from a church, the faith of the husband and his rescuing of his bride. The film has a Hitchcock feel to it with great suspense and surprising twists. Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer are wonderful as the main leads.