I have so much joy in my heart

I now reside in a family full of college graduates (at least for the next couple weeks until Amanda has the baby). This past weekend, Sarah Michelle Walter became the last to receive her bachelors degree. And in three weeks (after she finishes her classes) it will be official.

So, as it is, we have a Master of Divinity, Bachelors for education, music ministry, biology and political science. Three of us have work towards our Masters completed, and two of us are using our degrees (unfortunately, I'm only counting mom and dad for this one).

I am so proud of my family. Though it has never been easy (especially for the less ambitious ones), we have all come through with flying colors. Now my prayer with this little one that will be gracing us with his presence, is that he can continue down a similar path. To accomplish a task, such as this, it takes unity and a family devoted to an idea.

I am thankful everyday, for having parents that pushed me when I wasn't interested in finishing things (or starting, or working on). Sister that were able to push me, sometimes, guilt me into getting things done. It was seldom ever easy, but they were supportive the entire way.

So, to my baby sister I say, "Congratulations! I am very proud of you!"

Something sports related

I was thinking about doing something pertaining to sports, but was having a difficult time coming up with what I should talk about. I could of course talk about the LeBron James 2010 offseason or who would be coaching the Browns next year. Then I read an article from Joe Posnanski of SI.com and instead of blogging, I'm just going to post a link to that article. It says perfectly what so many people are feeling.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/11/05/yankees.payroll/index.html

Be back tomorrow to give an update of everything Arad. Enjoy.

The Wonderful World of Pixar

I LOVE the Pixar Animation Studios. In my book, they are a perfect ten for ten. Every single movie they have made has been pure poetry in my opinion. From their lowly (but utterly world changing) beginnings with "Toy Story", to my runaway favorite movie of this past year "Up", each story is packed with more power than can be appreciated with just a single viewing.

So, I began to think, how long can Pixar keep it up?

When a company goes on a run, similar to what Pixar has, you have to wonder if they are running out of juice. Since "Toy Story" debuted in 1995, they have had an amazing run of pictures that hasn't been equaled (in box office or popularity). While in the early years, the movies were a little more spaced out, we have seen summer releases consistently for each of the last four years. Amazingly each time the most recently released movie seems better than those that came before.

The last time I remember this happening was a similar company, which also had a string of very successful and crowd pleasing movies, was Disney. It is amazing to look back at the successful animated movies strewn together from 1989 to 1994. Those movies were (in chronological order) "The Little Mermaid", "Beauty and the Beast", "Aladdin" and "The Lion King". These four movies are monsters, and what some people consider masterpieces of animated story telling. Those that came next, were unfortunately more forgettable. The movies that followed weren't bad, but there was a bit of a drop off (and how could there not be) from the incredible stories that just came before. And this is my fear. Pixar having the occasional bomb at the box office would be okay, there is something to learn from that. The unforgivable would be for the standard of film making which we have all become accustomed to is sacrificed for profits. This also gets into another area which has me a little concerned.

There is no denying that Disney was able to acquire an absolute juggernaut when they purchased Pixar in 2006. What has happened since then is what worries me. Pixar has been given control of all Disney animated movies. One of the first things that happened because of this merger was Pixar axing all sequals (so everyone hoping for "Lion King 8: Simba's Great-Great Grandchild Retakes Pride Rock" or "Oliver and Company 4: the Rule of Fagin" will be left wanting), saying that it waters down the product. I would love to be the optimist and say that everything is going to be fine, and this will actually improve the quality of Disney films, along with Pixar's because they hold themselves to such a high standard. I would, but that's not me. I'm more inclined to fall in the Pixar is another cog in the Disney machine, and at the end of the day, Disney cares about profits and not quality.

So, as I wait on baited breath for next year's release of "Toy Story 3", I am beginning to hope that Pixar does not turn into Dreamworks (famously known for it's one trick pony show also known as "Shrek"). I am completely fine with them taking as much time as they need to make good movies. Quality will forever be better than quantity in my book.

By the way, 50 pts. for anyone who figured out that I am geeking out about the idea of a possible Pixar/Marvel movie, since Disney recently picked up that piece as well.

The North Korea Solution

I have thought of a sure fire way to completely solve the North Korea situation. It wouldn't cost the United States anything, there would be few casualties and we could get rid of some access (albeit once beloved) baggage.

I was not able to watch the NBA Hall of Fame induction speeches when they were happening (because of the time difference), but thanks to youtube I was able to see them after the fact. If you didn't hear, three of the all time greats we inducted into the Hall at their respective positions. David Robinson, John Stockton and Michael Jordan. Now obviously one name stands above the other two, however I believe his is the solution we have been looking for.

If you haven't seen the speeches, I highly encourage you to check them out. David Robinson was the first of the night and it was beautiful. He was sincere, honest and truthful. He directed all of his success up. He made an acknowledgement that the things he accomplished on the court were not actions he was able to do by himself. He was just an instrument of a greater power. During his speech he spoke openly about his devotion to San Antonio and more importantly God.

John Stockton was funny, self-deprecating and humble. He made sure to mention the most important people that allowed him to achieve success. At various times he spoke of his brothers and the competitive nature which was brought about by playing with them as he grew up. He told tales of each of his coaches, and how they enabled him to become a better basketball player and a better person. He brought it home by thanking his wife and children for keeping him grounded and focused.

Then Michael Jordan stepped to the microphone. It has been apparent for a long time that Michael was the best. No player has ever come into the league with the intensity, willpower and work ethic of this one man. He took time to rub that fact into everyone's collective face. No one was off limits during Jordan's speech. He attacked his high school coach, the player that was put in the final varsity spot, Dean Smith, Jeff Van Gundy, even the guy he pushed down so that he could make his final shot as a Chicago Bull (Byron Russell). So my question is, do we worship someone that expects us to honor his every selfish desire? Or, should we give him to North Korea and kill two birds with one stone.

During some reading awhile back I remember reading that on a peace trip to the United States Kim Jong-Il asked for a recess in the meeting. He was granted this time, and used it to watch a basketball game that was happening. Turns out, outside being a fantastic golfer, Kim Jong-Il is a huge basketball fan. The game he was watching, Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls.

This is what I'm thinking. Jordan was joking about playing professionally again after he turned 50. How about we make his dream come true. Convince North Korea to setup a professional basketball league, and we will give them Michael Jordan (with the condition that they halt any and all nuclear testing). Kim Jong-Il will be thrilled cause he can watch his favorite basketball player, Jordan is happy cause he's playing basketball and the US is happy because we can halt the arms race a little and get an egomaniac to go away.

How does this not benefit all parties involved?

Clean is clean

Some of you know that a few weeks back, I had a difficult situation which may or may not have been predicated on my desire to help someone out. I offered my apartment to be used as a hostel to a couple visitors to Arad. I was however, unaware of the extent my services would be needed. What I initially thought was going to be my putting a couple travelers up for a couple days, turned into two weeks. Suffice to say, that is a long time.

Upon their departure, I went into knee jerk cleaning mode. It was everything. I washed clothes, sheets, duvets, rugs and the like. I also swept, mopped, did the dishes and sanitized everything. This cleaning job took well over six hours and a level of peace began to wash over me.

It is a difficult task to keep something clean when something new is added to the mix. For the most part, I do a very good job of keeping my apartment clean. When the lodgers were added to the equation, I wasn't just cleaning up after myself, but them as well. Things became more difficult.

I understand the cathartic nature of cleaning. How it represents newness and a fresh start. I have seen this represented time and again through cinema and literature. The time that sticks most clearly in my mind is the Last Supper. I have never thought of Jesus washing the disciples feet as a sort of baptism, but that is precisely what it was. Jesus was accomplishing many things with this unselfish gesture (lowering himself, humbling himself, putting the needs of others before his own), doing a little house keeping of his own.

State of things

I have to admit that this has taken me longer than I anticipated, and unfortunately this post is not going to be as long as I would have wanted. But the waiting has been long enough.

It is difficult to get news, even in the country for which I am living. I doubt that many have heard the recent news that last month, there were massive resignations by the controlling political party in Romania. The part lost it's support of another somewhat minor party, and felt the need to step out. This has to do partly with what one member was saying about the upcoming elections (that there was inevitably would be corruption, who would have thought).

In addition to this, the Minister of Health just stepped down. Coming shortly after his making statements that he is expecting 20,000 Romanians to die of H1N1. I am asking everyone to pray for the turmoil that is taking place in Romania right now, in addition to that which so many of you pray for regularly.