Thursday
Oct292009
Defined by what terms?
Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 11:31PM Someone from my church sent me this link. They have their reasons for sending it to me. I have my reason for sharing it here. Click and grow.
Here I just share some of the things from television, the movies and beyond that have really connected with me. For a good book, click on TOP BOOKS, for everything else media related, scroll here.
Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 11:31PM Thursday
Oct082009
William Kamkwamba
Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 11:37AM I Pastor people from all walks of life, and across the political spectrum - from Fox News to the Daily show. While I think this diversity is both healthy and necessary for any church growth in a place that seriously seeks the kingdom - I am reminded, every time someone approaches me on an issue, left or right, that there is simply no salvation in any political ideology. I am a pastor, because I love people, want this world to be a better place, for lives to have more meaning. And for this, I honestly believe with all my heart that we need a Savior. I am not ashamed about this, I do not think it makes me weak or foolish. I am not blind or crazy. I am thoughtful, loving and dedicated to a message that I really think can... and will... change the world - and, if you are willing, your life.
So, there are times I love to sit back and watch the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Which is weird, because though he is very smart and very funny, his view of God and spiritual things is not my view. But the same can be said of Fox News - the difference for me in my world is that I just cannot take either side too seriously, and the Daily Show, at times, does a great job of mocking the status quo - left or right.
All this to say - last night, William Kamkwamba, the boy who harnessed the wind, was interviewed by Jon Stewart. It is an incredible story. This kid, forced to drop out of school, looks at physics pictures, and creates a windmill that creates electricity. Above is an embedded presentation by William Kamkwamba. Below is a heart warming interview by Jon Stewart.
Monday
Oct052009
Monday
Oct052009
TV: Long Way Down
Monday, October 5, 2009 at 12:18AM 
I've always loved a good travel/adventure show. There are of course those that try too hard to be interesting - those don't do it for me. And my favorite in the past was Michael Palin's original - Around the World in 80 Days, but that's getting dated even for me.
So as I was browsing Netflix trying to come up with something imaginative, valuable and just plain entertaining, when I was told that if I liked Round the World in 80 Days I might like Long Way Down. I did.
It's 2 guys on very nice BMW bikes, with a huge production team (which bless them, they don't try and pretend their not there) riding all the way from the top of Scotland to the bottom of Africa. The series is a great blend of bikes, adventure, scenery, and people. (The original was long way round, London to New York, via Alaska etc... but Netflix does not have that one).
My favorite part, as with other adventures, is the ending. This time, those in South Africa following the travels on-line got on their bikes and welcomed Charley and Ewan (got to get the billing right!!) to the African southern point, and then followed them to Cape Town. A stream of bikes, over a hundred or 2 I would think. The sense of accomplishment for doing something ... great? Well, yes, but not because they achieved something that tangible - although highlighting UN work along the way was nicely done. They did this just because it was there to do. And people respond. Community forms. And I don't know why, but there is something that touches us as humans on a very deep level when we act like this. I can't explain it theologically - except that we have joy built deeply into our DNA, and this joy is reached by just doing something. We don't have to progress, or evolve to have joy. We just have to be. And do. Interesting... I'll have to develop this a bit.
Near the end, Charley says (loose quote): "There is something about riding on a trip like this, you've no responsibilities, you just have to survive the day". Add seeing new and amazing things, and you have yourself an Adventure!
Of course, the whole thing gave me the bug a bit! Not quite sure how I'll respond exactly, but I know sitting in front of the computer does not quite suffice!
