Raey ni Weiver

So 2006 has come and gone and its time for my Second Annual Year in Review. Now these are simply my opinions. When it comes to categories such as movies, I review or rate only what I have seen. If you happen to disagree with my picks, that's fine. Just don't freak out on me. It's all in good fun. Being that the same people visit this blog, I am not too concerned about it.

Best Movies
1. Superman Returns - Don't be fooled by the less than expected numbers this movie pulled in over the summer. It was reviewed better than Pirates 2 which ran away with the box office. This movie is visually stunning, has a great story, and is the perfect spring board for this once powerful franchise. If you didn't see it, do yourself a favor and rent it.

2. The Departed - This star filled film by legend Scorsese made me want to be a cop and a mob boss all at once. Or I could just be a dirty cop and get the best of both worlds. Great film.

3. Invincible - A great sports movie that does have some of your typical sports film moments, but the true story in itself will keep your attention throughout.

4. Mission Impossible 3 & Cars - In what will probably be Cruises' last MI film (since being fired from the studio), this film had it all. I had never seen any of the other MI films but was immediately engrossed in the story and special effects. Pixar pulls off another winner in the cute comedy featuring the voice of Owen Wilson.

Worst Films
1. The Wickerman - Don't you love when previews look so great and present such a fascinating story? Such wicked lies. This was one of Cage's worst films...something he seems to do a lot of lately. Perhaps it is a good thing he will be taking a break for awhile. This film fell flat at every single level and in the end I didn't know whether to laugh ("Oh my legs! You have broken my legs") or cry that I paid the price of admission.

2. Silent Hill - Never again will I look forward to a movie inspired by a video game. If ever a movie had the potential for thrills and plot twist, the game Silent Hill would surely provide it. However this film simply stunk and blew a great opportunity.

3. Date Movie & Scary Movie 4 - there comes a time in every franchises life when it is time to end it. Please stop and let us be.

Best Sports Moments
1. Seeing the up and coming potential of the young 49ers offense. QB Alex Smith, TE Vernon Davis and RB Frank Gore are growing under the supervision of Dallas mastermind Norv Turner. They should be fun to watch next season.

2. The glory of the NFC division. Only here can a team with a losing record still have a shot at making the playoffs. Really gives a person hope.

3. Texas A&M finally beating the Longhorns.

4. The play of the Tennessee Titans under Vince Young. I was the guy who said he was overrated going so high in the draft. But hey, I am human. The kid is really good (looks like everything Michael Vick was supposed to be) and should have the Titans in the thick of the playoff race next year.

5. The following article. Maybe its because I read it when I was tired, maybe it is because of the cold meds, or maybe its because I work with kids all day. Or it could just be that it was really poorly worded. Sports writer Mike Tanier explains how QB Alex Smith is doing better at holding on to the football thanks to a new rule that "allows each team to bring a dozen balls with them to away games for use on offense. The balls must be examined by a referee, but they can be doctored to some extent to remove the slick waterproofing from their surface."

Tanier goes on to say, "Smith isn't the only one who is happy after a thorough ball-buffing. Frank Gore had some fumbling problems early in the year. But Gore doesn't seem to have any trouble holding onto Smith's balls. The Broncos, who come from the capital of ball-doctoring, may want to keep Jay Cutler's balls in a humidor so the rookie's passes don't sail on him. But the Broncos backs and receivers may have trouble grasping soggy balls."

Yeah, its been a few hours since I read it and it is still funny.

Best Books
1. The Ezekiel Option - Joel Rosenberg
2. Showdown by Ted Dekker
3. The Rapture - Jerry Jenkins & Tim Lahaye

Best Songs
1. So Long Self by MercyMe
2. Your Name - Paul Baloche
3. A Greater Song by Paul Baloche
4. Made to Worship by Chris Tomlin
5. Grace Like Rain by Todd Agnew

Best Shows
1. Heros (Monday on NBC) - the surprise show that has taken the country by storm. "Save the Cheerleader. Save the world." With plot twists and new questions in every episode, Heros has built more than a cult following, it has even been nominated for two Golden Globes (best drama and best actor). If you haven't seen this great drama, catch the marathon on January 1. Trust me, after 1 or 2 episodes and you'll be hooked.

1. Smalliville (Thursday on CW) - The sixth season has seen many changes for Clark Kent. As he begins to develop a greater sense of need in the world around him, we are treated to the new addition of Green Arrow. Coming up: the first look at the Justice League. This show has done an amazing job at staying fresh after this many seasons.

3. House (Tuesday on FOX) - Dr. House faces more than medical challenges these days in what has been a great season on FOX. House's drug addiction has finally caught up to him after a cop began investigating him (after being jilted in the waiting room). Can't wait to see how this story plays out.

4. The Office (Thursday on NBC) - This comedy reaches new heights this season as several new faces began work at Dunder Mifflin. Steve Carell is at his best. The best comedy on television.

5. Bones (Wednesday on FOX) - The sophomore season of this show has been no disappointment. As tension continues to rise between Booth and Bones, the mysterious continue to get better and better as well as the deepening story lines between Bones family history and some of the uncaught killers.

Not Looking Forward To...
1. Grease: You're the One that I Want (NBC) - for the love of everything, why ruin a great movie with this reality show?

2. Summer - Is it just me, or does it keep getting hotter and hotter?

3. The inauguration of MA Governor Deval Patrick. I wonder how the people who elected him will react once he raises our already high taxes and gives free passes to illegal immigrants.

Looking Forward To...
1. Beauty and the Geek (CW) - One of the better reality shows out there that is funny, sweet and actually seems to teach some life lessons to the contestants.

2. Summer - Is it just me, or is there a TON of stuff to do in New England?

3. December. I will finally be finished with college!..until I begin work on my Masters that is.
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Well there ya have it. Robert's (New) Land Year in Review. It was all done in fun and I hope you enjoyed it. Hope everyone has a safe finish to 2006 and a blessed and healthy 2007!

Merry Christmas!

As is tradition, tonight my wife and I selected the Card of the Year.
This is the first year that the chosen card has been featured on my blog. I find this to be a welcome addition to the contest after nearly 10 years.

Allow me to provide a brief history. One Christmas Eve, my sister and I were hamming it up for the camera. My sister is all her creativity, pulled out all the Christmas cards and we pretended to host an awards show of sorts. We selected what we thought was the best card of the bunch, had a laugh, and then ate junk food. Little did we know that this would be such a big hit. We continued to do this even after she went off to college, and then I kept up the tradition after we moved to Colorado. I brought this fun event into my marriage and luckily for me, my wife enjoys it.

Congratulations to this year's winner. It was a backdoor entry that came in a box of gifts shipped to us. Just so everyone knows, when selecting the chosen card, we do not look at the names. No playing favorites in this contest. It's a serious business. So without further delay, the winner of the 2006 Christmas Card Contest is....

Joe and Jerri in "Festive Christmas Tree". We liked the vibrant look of this card and the fun feel it gave to the traditional Christmas tree. Well done.

Our Second Place Winner goes to one of my students with "Festive Snowman". Notice how enormous the snowman is in comparisson to the forest. No one is going to jack (frost) with that guy.

Finally, our Third Place Winner goes to Pat from Curry with "Snoopy and Woodstock's Christmas". This card featured various textures that would make it enjoyable to people of all ages. Add that with the enduring Snoopy and you have a winner. Well, a third place winner anyway.

Jealous? You should be. This is a tremendous event in the life of a Christmas card! Entering is easy though. Simply mail us a Christmas card by Christmas Eve and it will automatically be entered into that year's contest. Sorry, picture created cards are not eligible for First Place status, though they have been given their own distinct category. Cash bribes do not ensure victory, but they are always helpful.

I hope that everyone had a very merry Christmas and that you take time today to say a prayer of thanks for the real reason we celebrate!

Worth Repeating

This is a blog I wrote in December 2005 over on Windows Live Spaces. I felt it was worth sharing again with a new audience and I hope everyone enjoys it.

Robert
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I just finished watching the film “The Polar Express” for the second time. Technically, it was the 2 ½ time I viewed the movie (once when it came out in 2004, once this past evening and the ½ came as I skipped through it in order that I could jot down a few notes).

For those who haven’t seen the “The Polar Express”, it is a truly outstanding movie. If you only watch one Christmas themed movie this season, watch “The Polar Express”. Along with the outstanding visual effects, this is hands down one of the greatest Christmas stories ever produced (as was the book).

What struck me the first time I saw this movie was the strong spiritual undertone throughout the entire film. It was not only amazing, but moving as well. A year later, I was still in awe over this aspect. What a life lesson this movie provides! Whether you celebrate the Christ of Christmas or are simply a “Happy Holiday’er” who enjoys Santa and decking the halls…this is a movie you need to see.

First allow me to say that I hope you finish reading this blog if you haven’t seen the movie yet. I will try not to ruin anything, but I feel what I have to say is more important than you knowing the end of a film.

Quickly, the movie is about a young boy who is struggling with his belief of Santa Claus. To believe or not to believe…that is indeed the question. He has collected worldly evidence that supports that Santa is not real (newspaper clipping of store Santa’s on strike, a picture of Santa with his fake beard being pulled down, a textbook stating that the North Pole is “devoid of life”, etc.). The world he lives in seems to support his idea of Santa not being real.

He lays down on Christmas Eve a shattered and broken child. A few moments later, the Polar Express arrives to pick him up. The Polar Express is a very magical train which is en route to the North Pole, more specifically, to Santa’s workshop. Along the way the boy witnesses many magical and spectacular things and meets numerous people. Yet he still struggles with his belief. He must see Santa in order to believe. Once they arrive to the very large North Pole, he sees Santa’s entire village complete with an express transportation system, millions of elves, a huge toy factory, and even flying reindeer.

Despite all that he sees around him, he can not believe because he has not seen Santa. He can’t even hear the bells ringing on the sleigh. The big man finally comes out of his home and the crowd goes into a frenzy. Our little boy can’t see Santa though. He can’t, that is, until he chooses to believe. It is in this moment that he can hear the bells. And it is in this moment that Santa comes to him.

Maybe you can identify with this child. You want to know God, you want to believe…but you can’t. You want proof. You won’t believe until you see God with your own two eyes. So often, people overlook the evidence of God around them.

“Well mister preachy guy…what about all the bad things? Where is God in all that?” Great question! Allow me to answer: We live in a fallen world full of sin (I will talk more about this later in the month). It’s a world where people choose to do evil instead of good. Just like we choose to believe or not believe. God gave us free will to choose Him. He truly wants your love…not forced worship.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled lesson; there is so much around us that we should see as evidence of God. I think people are looking for huge miracles, a divine message spoken aloud, or for a conquering king who will rid us of all things wicked. You know, that’s what happened the first time Jesus came to us. People were looking for some one to over throw the Roman government and set up an everlasting kingdom. They missed the baby who was born who would grow into a man who later died for the sins of the world. They missed it then, and people still miss it today. They miss how He touches the lives of millions, they miss the profound affect He has on the hurt, the lonely and the lost. They miss what things He is doing in the lives of others, often dismissing it as ‘untrue’ or ‘misled/informed’.

They miss it because they don’t see it. We live in a world that demands proof. To borrow a line from the movie “…sometimes seeing is believing. And sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” Looking in the Bible in the book of John (chapter 20, verse 29) Jesus says to Thomas (who doubted Jesus was raised from the dead) “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.’”

Let me ask you, would seeing Him really make you believe? Or, once you saw Him, would you ask “Well how do I know you are really Him?” Believing is not something anyone else can make you do. It comes from within you. You choose to believe.

Maybe you still have questions. There is nothing wrong with having questions…just don’t let your questions keep you from The Answer.

The first true Christmas gift came when God sent his one and only son to earth. Our sins (and yes, we all have sin…whether is be a white lie or storing illegal nuclear arms in you closet) separate us from God. The punishment for sin is death (Hell...thus the separation). In order to fix this problem, God gave us His son. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and then became sin for us. He took the sins of all who ever lived, are living and will live and died because of them. As I said above, we all deserve punishment and separation from God for the things we’ve done. But Christ took that punishment for us. Jesus defeated sin; he defeated death and provided a way to God.

But, you must choose to believe. And this Christmas, I truly hope you would.

"One thing about trains: It doesn’t matter where they are going. What matters is deciding to get on.”

Copyright 2005
In His Image Productions

Burlington, VT

Just took some pictures on my camera and noticed I never downloaded our pics from our trip to Vermont this past October. There are only a few because it rained the bulk of the weekend, but I am sharing them nevertheless. Click the picture to see the rest.

Spider-man 3 Trailer

Seeing as how the political post stirred up some emotions, I decided to post the trailer to the 2007 release of Spider-Man 3...calm us all down a little.

"The People Have Spoken"

Well the ballots have (basically) all been counted and the people have made their choices. Now I won't comment or gripe about the democrats "taking power" or anything along those line because that is the type of Nation we live in...one where people have the chance to choose their leaders. I respect that.

However, I just can't get over one election in my state (MA). Yesterday we voted for a new governor and Deval Patrick won pretty handily. He is a pretty slick looking character, being compared in ways to former President Clinton. What really blows my mind, though, is how he won despite two of his proposals. One of the obvious ones (though he would say it in governmentesse....'people have an obligation to help their state') is the raise in taxes. Most people know the nickname for MA is Taxachusetts, so its odd that people would be so eager to vote for a man who will more than likely raise them.

The second point really blows my (as well as numerous others) mind. Since 9/11 we have all had a heightened sense of security. Making sure we don't let just anyone into our country, protecting our borders, making it tougher in general. Patrick though is wanting to give "illegal immigrants" a license. I remember about one year ago, the news here did a special report on illegal immigrants having their license even though they don't know how to drive, transporting items and so on. People in this state were livid! And yet, a man who is basically cool with handing them out like Halloween candy wins the race for governor. To each their own.

And no, it isn't because this is a state run by Democrats...this is the first Democrat governor in MA is I believe 12 years.

But hey, at least we have an Texas Aggie running the show in the Pentagon now. That's what I'm talking about! GIG EM!

Happy Halloween

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy Halloween!

Although, today I was thinking, it is pretty funny that we let our children celebrate by allowing them to go to strangers homes and take candy from them while (all year round) we warn them to never talk to or take candy from strangers.

Ironic, no?

"Make like a tree and get out of here"

Screech trying to break away from Saved by the Bell by making a raunchy film - wrong and eww.

Biff (Tom Wilson) from Back to the Future embracing his typecast role and using it in his stand up comedian act - smart and very funny. The song answers all the questions he is normally asked. Enjoy!

Retrospective

Hard to believe for some because "it has felt longer" and hard to believe for us because "it seems like only a few months" but today marks the one year anniversary that we loaded up in the car and U-haul and made a three day journey across the eastern half of the United States to our new home in Massachusetts. Jen and I have been looking back over the past year and everything that led up to it and it always comes down to 'God is good'.

A lot of people thought us crazy, told us we were making a mistake and thought we'd be back when the house wouldn't sell or for some other reason. But God in His greatness found a buyer for our home two days after we arrived. He has given us a wonderful place to live, a great job, a church and church family, and friends. Being honest with ourselves, we couldn't think of a happier time in our marraige. Has it all been easy? Of course not, life never is. But God sees us through the tough times as well as the good. All the good and the provisions are nothing we have done on our own, but only through His grace and His mercy. As Paul so wonderfully stated, "To the glory of God the Father..."

Even in our one year here, so much has happened. Jennifer's switched departments at the hospital, my college and major have changed (though I didn't really have a choice in major at the first college I attended), our way of living and even ideas on life have been changed. We look forward to the future and what God has in store for us.

Some of the highlights from this year of course include all the family and my friend who have made their way out to see us, helping with a new start up church, all the amazing cities we saw on the trip out here, walking and playing in the snow, summer strolls to the ice cream shop, visits to fun and beautiful places (numerous trips to Newport RI, our 3rd anniversary in NH, white water rafting in ME and soon a trip to VT), my memorization of the Freedom Trail over the course of touring family during the summer, people acting like it was the end of the world when the temperate rose above 100 degrees (no joke, they had help centers...rookies), getting lost at Harvard Square, Superman Returns, getting schooled in pool at the Charlie Horse, finally seeing Les Miserables, an actual white Christmas, the Pour House in Boston, seeing the leaves change colors, One Night 2006, seeing the Fenway Park with my brother and sister, apple picking, student teaching and the list can go on and on...but I have school soon.

For some fun memories hop over to Robert's (Old) Land to read the blogs I wrote during our move out here. I was actually pretty funny despite the fact that I had just driven over 12 hours everyday. There are also some more pictures if you head over to the old photo album. Of course there is the link to our current photo album on the left side bar.

In closing, I wanted to share a song that I had in my heart our entire trip out here and would say to God before going to bed each night. It's a song that I still find very appropriate.

"For all that you've done I will thank you. For all that you're going to do. For all that you promised and all that you are Lord is all that has carried me through. So Jesus, I thank you. And I thank you, thank you Lord. Thank you for loving and setting me free. Thank you for giving your life just for me. How I thank you. Jesus I thank you. Greatfully thank you. Thank you." (Thank You from Dennis Jernigan's Hands Lifted High)

THR3E

Ted Dekker's novel THR3E will be opening in theaters down the road. For now, here is the trailer for the upcoming film.

BIRTHDAY

So today at 3:13 p.m. I turned the big 26. Thanks to everyone who sent nice emails/cards/phone calls/and comments on my various blogs, facebook, and myspace! It was a good birthday. I posted a few pictures over at yahoo. Click here to see them.

And Now I've Been to Boston in the Fall

Well as the title states, I have now gone to Boston in the fall. This was my first time back into the city since the great Summer 2006 Tours with my in-laws, my mom and then my sister and brother-in-law. I love going into Boston. Everytime I walk out of the station and see all the people bustling around, the beautiful buildings, and the energy I just think to myself, "Wow! I live in friggin Boston!" Classy I know, but I endorse honesty in Robert's Land. And if someone is with me, I generally say it aloud. Laugh because it's funny, cry because it's true.

Anyway, the trees in Boston were not quite as colorful as I had hoped yet. Probably because it is closer to the coast and thus they haven't turned as much as the ones in our town and further out west. We took some pictures though of what we could. I added some from our palce as well. We might head to New Hampshire this weekend and will probably get some nice shots there that I will add to the album. Click on the picture to see the album or go through the link on the side bar titled "Boston in the Fall". This particular picture I obviously played with on photo shop. I think its cool, Jen thinks its creepy. So rock on and happy early Halloween.

Interesting side note and a first time incident for ol' Rob. While taking care of a call from nature, the person in the stall next to me must have either a) been blind or b) could have cared less and decided the best aim was my foot. No lie. For those who know me, you can image the different ways I sterilized my shoes when I got home...burning mostly. I believe I saw evil spirits rise out of the smoke.

See, these are the type of stories one will receive when I try to post every week (see previous blog). One last note, I added a new blog that I enjoy reading of a person who stops by Robert's Land from time to time. The link can be found on the side bar. Hope everyone had a good Columbus Day. Thanks Boston for taking every available holiday off.

Kneel before Rob! I mean Zod!

Oh wow! I managed to go over a month without posting, and you know what? It felt great. Sure, maybe not for you guys who came by everyday and saw the same ol' stuff. You might have said to yourself, "Robert said better quality blogs from now on and he hasn't posted anything!" Well, I lied. That's politics. I can't be impeached so get over it. Actually, I never promised quantity, just quality. Sometimes to make a high quality product, you have to wait a while for it. And in truth, trying to come up with something every week to talk about that is truly interesting, well it’s not easy.

Well my word. So much to report on here. Where to start? First, I am no longer subject to the confines of Boston Baptist College. There is a whole lot I could say here, but instead I will give a nice and brief version. I went to register on a Friday, found out I would only be able to take 12 hours, classes I needed in order to take other 'upper level' courses were unavailable, no information on when they would become available, and when I petitioned to take other courses I was told 'fat chance'. Throw in a few other items that I won't discuss and you have one unhappy guy. I came home, talked about it with my wife and family/friends. Prayed about it. Did some research. Marched into BBC the following Monday and withdrew. That day in itself is an interesting story, but not for Robert's Land. Immediately after this I drove down the road to Curry College and applied. By the grace of God, my transcripts came in on the last day of registration and I was accepted.

My major is now Education: CYC (Children, Youth and Community). God has been very good to me at Curry. I truly love all my classes. All are education courses except for one night class (science). I am even doing field placement in a Kindergarten class which I love. The kids are really smart and a blast to be around. I do that six hours a week. I should be done by the end of fall 2007 if courses are available when I need them. Either way I will graduate spring 2008...finally.

I can safely say though that I do not regret nor do I believe it was a mistake to go to BBC. I learned a lot there. Some academically, but mostly personal and of things in this world...some things I have always thought were confirmed, other things were new. I know God wanted me there for that semester, so I take the good with bad and will use it to the best of my ability.

Things are really beautiful here in New England. The leaves are really becoming radiant in all their bright colors. Last weekend we went apple picking with a woman Jennifer works with and her husband. It was a really good time. The apples were some of the tastiest I have eaten. Jen plans on making a pie with them tomorrow and we're having some friends over to play games and share it with us. We also picked raspberries and blueberries, but they some how vanished in two days.

We are heading to Vermont in a few weeks, though it is becoming cooler more quickly than expected this year so we may be greeted by snow when we arrive instead of foliage. Either way we'll have a fun time. Highs have been in the 60's with lows dipping some nights into the 40's. And for those who say "he'll be sorry when a blizzard comes...I wouldn't want to be in that cold miserable weather", well good for ya. I love cold weather. I love my cold weather clothes and all my jackets. Snow is awesome. You have your likes, and I have mine so no need to pass on those thoughts. Fall is my favorite season followed by winter. Fall is when I was born. I love the cool breeze that passes by me on a walk. I told my wife I loved her in the fall and I proposed in the fall. Football and new shows come on in the fall. And it is the precursor to winter and Christmas. Cold weather is just a wonderful characteristic of it all.

Speaking of new shows, Smallville premiered last night and all I have to say is 'WOW'. By far it was Smallville's best episode ever. They have a wonderful knack for wrapping up storylines from the previous season and creating wonderful new ones that will play out over the year. This season will also boast the introduction of the Green Arrow. Like Batman, he has no powers...just a Robin Hood type looking to do good. There have been other talented visitors on Smallville before (Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg) but none were actual 'superheros' yet. Just powerful people trying to find a place in the world just like our show's lead, Clark Kent. Green Arrow however, will be our first costumed hero so it will be fun to watch.

And now I have bored you all, but hey Robert's Land fully supports the promotion of Superman and Superman related information so don't be hating. Plus the more I say Smallville or Superman, the more hits my blog might receive. I want to wrap up with a quote from "The Rapture" by Jerry B. Jenkins. I read it last month and one part really caught my emotions. Obviously the fiction book is based on the rapture. The quote is from a scene that occurs immediately after the true believers and followers in Christ are gathered together in the air. Hope you all have a good week.
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All around them Irene could hear cheers and squeals of delight as more reunions took place. People of all races and creeds celebrated. Irene knew they had to be speaking in their own languages, yet she understood every word.A Chinese woman announced for all to hear, pointing at another woman, “My daughter was in a wheelchair for twenty years! Look at her now!”

From somewhere else, a father introduced a handsome, smiling young man. “This boy was born with Down Syndrome.”“I can’t wait to sing to Jesus,” the boy said.

Irene saw two women embracing and weeping. “Your child?” Irene said.One met Irene’s eyes and nodded. “I had her aborted sixteen years ago. She forgives me.”“I have both arms!” a man shouted, waving. “I am whole!” came from somewhere else.Had they been here for an hour or only a second? Irene couldn’t tell. All she knew was that anticipation crashed over her like a waterfall. She turned to Raymie, and they said in unison, “I want to see Jesus.”And the entire throng from all over the world ascended yet again.

State of The Robert's Land Address

Ladies and gentlemen, The Robert of Robert's Land

(clap clap clap clap clap clap clap)

Well, we are winding down the final days of summer. For some, you may have already gone back to school, others may still be enduring 100+ temperatures, while others may not have even noticed it was summer. For me, the temperature has dropped about 20 degrees over the last few weeks (for those who think Boston is the Arctic, its not...we are hitting around 80 currently). All the summer trips have been taken and enjoyed. All the visitors from the south have come and gone. Time to set my sight on what lays ahead.

(clap clap clap clap)

First off, as some of you may have noticed, I could have really cared less about blogging this summer. With the start of summer came the turning off of my brain. That will be changed...hopefully by Monday morning. I have been putting up puff pieces about movies, video clips, pictures, and copied news stories. I have reviewed these postings along with posts of the past and will try and get back on track this fall with my flow of creativity.

(Standing clap clap clap clap)

With the end of summer comes the beginning of a new school year. My 2nd semester of BBC will officially begin Monday the 28th.

(Right side - clap clap clap clap)

I will begin my semester with a two week, nearly 6 hour a day blitz featuring the Exposition of General Epistles. The Fall semester will continue after that with Old Testament Survey I, New Testament Survey I, Exposition of Prison Epistles, Exposition of Thessalonians, Intro to Ministry Skills, and Journalism.

(Left Side, partial right - clap clap clap clap)

For those bad at math, that is 21 hours with the blitz. The key to the War on BBC is speed my friends. We want a speedy resolution to this conflict. I will go in, do a lot of shock and awe and get out as quickly as possible. You have my word.

(Scattered clap clap clap clap)

For those who have enjoyed the photos from various summer trips, do not worry about the approaching seasons of change. There are currently plans under way for a trip to Vermont to see the leaves change. There will be the premier of "NASH RETURNS" in November. There will be snow, Christmas, and plenty of memories to share along the way!

(silence)

*Clears throat* Most importantly, the fall season brings the start of football and new television shows to our lives once more. FOX Sports predicts that the Fighting Aggies of Texas A&M will meet Arizona State in the Sun Bowl!...or Purdue, Wisconsin or Michigan State in the Insight Bowl...or possibly Wisconsin in the Alamo Bowl. Either way, best of luck to you A&M as you begin your new season.

New shows are always exciting, but be warned there may be some duds out there! Do not be fooled. I have taped FOX's new series Vanished and will review it this evening. Expect a full report tomorrow. Will Till Death shine for the former Raymond star? Who will win the war between Studio 60 and 30 Rock? 60 is a bigger number. And what of our returning favorites? How will Clark get out of the phantom zone? Will House be cured of his limp? Are Jim and Pam going to hook up? Did Dean and Sam survive? And what the crap is happening with those lost folk? All these questions and more will be answered in the coming months! Except maybe the one about the lost people.

(Scattered yawns)

And so my fellow Robert Landians, I encourage you to keep up the good work. Visit often, laugh much, and cry a little. And for the love of everything, leave comments every now and then. I don't do this for giggles. It's all for you Damian...or whatever your name happens to be reading this. You don't have to be a member of the United States of Blogspot to leave a comment. I close with this: ask not what Robert's Land can do for you. Ask what you can do for Robert's Land.

And the answer is leave comments.

Seriously, I know where everyone lives who visits.

Thank you.

(coyote howls)

Super Videos

So as the three of you who visit this site know , I am a Superman fan. Love the movies, love the show, love the comics, love it all.

Like any faithful fan, I visit www.supermanhomepage.com which provides Superman related information (no need to make fun. Sports fans visit their team's page, music fans visit their band's page, Dekker fans visit www.teddekker.com).

Anywho, Neal Baily posted a Do's and Don'ts list on how to pass the time till the next Superman movie. It was very funny and I was going to share the whole thing, but decided to focus on one particular item.

DO: BUY THE soundtrack.
DON'T: Do THIS.

Click the above "THIS" link for a pretty hilarious video. Hilarious to me anyway. Probably cause I have made up words like this before.

Whle you're at it check out "How Superman Should Have Ended" as well.

If nothing else (or in addition to) be sure to hop over to Grace Blog and watch the video from this past Friday's Family Flicks & Fun Night.

How Many Planets?

Just read this interesting article and wanted to pass it along.
--------------------------------------------------------------
DALE McFEATTERS: Neptune, Pluto, Xena, Dasher, Dancer ...

Scripps Howard News Service
Last Updated: August 14, 2006, 01:40:00 PM PDT

(SH) - If it's one thing we thought we knew, it's that the solar system has nine planets, beginning with closest-in Mercury and extending to farthest-out Pluto. But apparently we got ahead of ourselves, and the astronomers are saying not so fast.

The solar system may instead consist of eight planets, or 10, or 53, or some number in between. An astronomy conference now under way in Prague, Czech Republic, may decide to demote Pluto or promote a 10th, nicknamed Xena, to planethood.

Pluto's planetary status, always shaky since its discovery in 1930, received a blow last summer with the discovery by a Cal Tech astronomer of Xena, or 2003 UB313, farther out and slightly larger and brighter than Pluto. Like Pluto, it has a moon.

Also like Pluto, Xena is in the Kuiper Belt, a vast and unexplored zone beyond Neptune, the last "regular" planet, so speak. The Kuiper Belt is filled with thousands of celestial objects - some of them comets, but some of them potentially meeting the same criteria for planet status as Pluto and Xena.

Astronomers are debating ways of handling this, such as going back to eight planets or listing planets by category - "gas giants," for example. Pluto would be an "ice dwarf." Or, astronomers could say that more information is needed and wait until NASA's New Horizons space probe arrives at Pluto 9-1/2 years from now.

The astronomers could solve the status of Pluto rather quickly except for one thing. Many nonscientists, and especially schoolchildren, are enormously sentimental and protective of this tiny frozen rock several billion miles from Earth, and they go nuts whenever it is suggested that Pluto is not a planet.

As for the rest of us, we would tell the astronomers this: We could get reconciled to eight planets; we could deal with 10; but there's no way we're going to memorize the names of 53 planets.

Robert thru the Years

Sox, Joker, Video, & Mel

Just a few quick things. First up, I have posted pictures from our (my sister and brother-in-law) trip to Fenway Park. Very cool place to see. Hope to be able to go to a game there someday. Fenway is not like ballparks/stadiums that I am used to seeing. Normally there is a huge parking lot and lots of open space. This, however, was just right in the big middle of everything. Lots of cool restaurants and shops all around it. Click here to see the rest.

Also, I read yesterday that Brokeback Mountain star Heath Ledger will be playing The Joker in the next Batman film. Would love to know your thoughts on this. Is this good casting or a big mistake? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.


I have also added two new films to the Video Clips section. These were made by my talented friend Josiah. He has a real creative mind and I think a bright film future ahead of him. Not bad since he just entering his senior year of high school. One film is titled "The incrediball" and th other is "The Chase". They are probably only a few minutes each so check them out.

Finally, I have a note regarding all this talk and judgment people are placing on Mel Gibson. What he did was wrong and a horrible mistake. But which of you can say you have never sinned/done something wrong? Who among us can honestly look back over their entire life and say that we have never done or said something we regret? No one is perfect. Not even those who are believers in Jesus. Becoming a believer does not mean that that person's life will be perfect and sin free. Mel Gibson made a mistake, admitted it (something most of us have a problem doing), asked for forgiveness (even more difficult than admitting) and has taken several other steps to fix his problem through rehab and what-not. Some of these people in Hollywood and elsewhere who are saying he should be 'kicked out of Hollywood' (funny considering what other people are doing there) and that he shouldn't be forgiven...well I can't say much about them. Many are probably unsaved and therefore do not know any better. It pains me though when I hear Christians saying the above statements. We do know better. Colossians 3:13 teaches that we are to "bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." We as Christians are to forgive one another. Plain and simple. This is about as straight forward as it can get. Jesus suffered greatly and died so that we may be forgiven of all our wrong doings. Seems like it should be pretty easy for us to forgive someone, especially a person we have never met. Hope everyone is enjoying their final months of summer.

Enjoy the pictures and videos.

West Forks, ME

Added some photos from our recent trip to West Forks, Maine today. To see them, click on the picture below. Sorry, we were unable to snap a picture of the momma (or poppa, no real time to check for details) and baby moose we saw Tuesday evening.

Whenever we get it, I will post our rafting picture(s) as well. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

More details on the trip another time.

Big Dig Disaster...Could Be Worse

So as most people are probably aware of, there was a bit of a disaster with the project known as the "Big Dig" here in Boston. This is the most expensive road/highway/whatever construction in the United States. Last week, there was a horrible accident in which one of the 4-ton ceiling panels collapsed on a vehicle killing the front seat passenger. The whole situation has led to a criminal investigation, the Gov. taking over the entire project, finger pointing, citizens vowing to never take that route even when it is fixed and tunnels being shut down for months thus leading to a horrible traffic situation.

Well I was reading in my handy, dandy Uncle John's Bathroom Reader: Plunges Into History the other day and found an event that happened in Boston that I would consider a much worse scenario. (This is in NO WAY meant to make light of what happened or the loss of a life. This is an actual event that happened that I found interesting enough to share. If you are easily offended, I apologize). The following features exceprts from the above mentioned book.
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"The 50-foot high tank at the Purity Distilling Comapny of Boston, MA was going full-bore. Filled to near-capacity, it contained two million gallons of steam-heated molasses...Next thing anyone knew, the tank burst, sending - did we mention two million gallons? - warm, sticky molasses into the streets of Boston, moving at 35 miles an hour. Which might have been funny if it hadn't also been carrying huge, jagged sections of the tank."

"In an irony only found in truth, this event really did take place during January (1918). Too bad it had to be an unusually warm January day, 43 degrees, well above freezing. If the weather had been more typical, it might have given the soon-to-be victims time to notice the oncoming calamity..."

"Moving with a dull, muffled roar, the 15-foot hight wall of brown goo surged and rumbled into Boston's North End. It crushed trolley cars, swallowed trucks, horses and carts, and knocked buidlings off their foundation. The parts of the tank propelled by molasses tore into the supports holding up the Atlantic Avenue elevated train...the track collapsed to the ground, jsut as the train was approaching."

"The greatest number of fatalities that day was at a Public Works building. The molasses slammed into the building, shattering it and throwing fragments 150 feet into the air. It was literally a tidal wave, swallowing dozens of people, rolling and crushing them under its brown mass. Dozens were critically injured by the debris picked up and carried by the sticky mess, while others were simply crushed to death... Finally the molasses began to cool and congeal. The final toll was 21 people dead, 150 injured. The clean-up crew pumped sea water from that harbor via hoses. But the molasses and saltwater didn't mix, and soon the whole area was buried under brown foam. It took months before the streets of Boston were their old farmilar dirty gray again."

Copyright 2001 by Portable Press

Church Attack

My friend Damian who is a missionary in the UK emailed me the following article regarding a recent attack on his church. Thought I would pass it along. You can either read it below or visit this website.
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Vicious attack on church youngsters
Jun 28 2006

Child members of a church group were kicked and punched to the ground by a drunken mob of adults in Hednesford Park on Friday evening.

Police are currently investigating the horiffic attack, which saw innocent worshippers as young as 14 set upon by the gang, all believed to be aged over

A violent attack has sent shockwaves through members of the peaceloving Kingsmead Independent Baptist Church, who were visiting the park as part of a regular Friday fun-night for younger church members.

Supervisors who tried to intervene were also beaten in the attack, suffering broken noses and bruises.

"You teach how to love and respect those who are around you and then this happens," said a shaken Reverend Damien Pickett.

"Many of our young members are now too scared to return to the park. We are shocked and stunned beyond belief."

The sickening scenes of mindless violence erupted as junior church-goers took part is a group frisbee game.

"It was only around 8.45pm, and everyone was having fun as usual. We were all tossing the frisbee around, kicking a football, everyone was laughing and joking. Then the huge mob came up out of nowhere. There was some verbal abuse. Then they just started raining down blows on the children. They didn't care how young these kids were, or how small. It was terrifying.

"There were punches and kicks to the head and body. Two youth leaders tried to intervene, but it was no good. They got beaten, too. One, Steve Davies, had his nose broken - bent right across his face. Just for trying to protect the children."

Youth Group Leader Steve Davies, 21, said: "It's sickening. Myself and a colleague were just trying to keep the peace, to stop them from hitting the children. We ended up getting attacked ourselves. There should have been community police officers around, surely. It's frightening to think that there weren't."

Police confirmed yesterday that the matter, initially reported at Burntwood LPU and later at Cannock, was currently being investigated.

The horrific attack comes just days after local police and residents praised the community's efforts in clamping down on anti-social behaviour in Hednesford.


Copyright and Trade Mark Notice
© owned by or licensed to Trinity Mirror Plc 2006icCannockTM is a trade mark of Trinity Mirror Plc.

Newport, RI

This weekend, my wife and I took my mom up to beautiful Newport, RI.

Click on the picture below to see some of the pictures.

New Blog

Just wanted to share that I have created a new blog for our church in Brockton, MA. To visit it, simply click on the picture above or go to www.thatsgrace.blogspot.com

On this site, you will find videos of our sermons as well as other events. I also hope to post other items such as ministry opportunities, prayer request (which you can leave in the comments section), upcoming events, possibly sermon outlines, photos and more. The side bar features helpful links found on our church's homepage (www.thatsgrace.org) as well.

When you have time, stop by and let us know what you think!

Robert's Recommendations

First off, thanks to those who kindly commented on my previous post regarding the video. I am waiting for the 'okay' to sign up with a company which will allow me to post entire films (as opposed to the 2 minutes you watched) online.

Speaking of that number, I have 2 recommendations for you. First is a T.V. show. Many of you may watch it already, but I just got into it this summer. I am talking about "The Office" on NBC. This show stars former "Daily Show" alum Steve Carrell and is hilarious. For anyone who has ever worked (in any capacity) in an office setting would not only love but easily relate to this show. Check it out Thursday on NBC and click the picture to check out the website.

My second recommendation is an incredible book that I haven't been able to put down. Unless I am eating. Or sleeping. Driving too. In the shower is a no-no. Walking would be difficult. You get the point. The book is titled "The Ezekiel Option" by Joel C. Rosenberg. I was hooked from the first sentence, which is a rare thing for me. From the dust jacket: "...a new evil looms on the horizon. A dictator is rising in Russia. Iran is feverishly building nuclear weapons. A new Axis of Evil is emerging, led by Moscow and Tehran." What makes this such a great read is that it really feels as if these fictional events could happen soon. Iran and the nukes part rings very true even today. Parts remind me of an article

Then again, the author has a knack for writing fiction which turns to truth. In his first hit novel, "The Last Jihad", he wrote of a hijacked jet on a kamikaze mission into an American city. No biggie right? Except that he wrote it nine months before 9/11. In the same book, an American President finds himself at war with Saddam Hussein over terrorism and WMD's. The book was published 5 months before the war in Iraq.

His second novel, "The Last Days", opens with the death of Yasser Arafat...Thirteen months before the man's actual death. An excerpt from the same book reads, "Daoud Juan checked his watch. He tried to picture what he and his men would be doing 24 hours later. Would they have been able to reach Canada yet? Would they have already slipped across the border into the United States? Once safely across the Canadian border into the United States, and once convinced they weren't being tracked, they'd rendezvous at the cabin, set up their shortwave radios, and gather any last-minute intelligence they could about homeland security preparations underway in their target cities." For those who don't know, Canadian authorities recently arrested 17 people whom they allege are part of a radical Islamic terror cell planning major attacks throughout the U.S. and Canada.

All that to say this guy has a great mind and his books are mind blowing. For those who love a great read, check out this book!

Famous Tombstones

There are two types of people in this world: Those who read in the bathroom and those who don't (and a select few who do crosswords). I am not ashamed to say I am a bathroom reader. The reason is simple. The bathroom is one of the quitest rooms in the home. You can lock the door, you have a seat and more than likely no one will disturb you. I used to read in the bathroom even if I had no other...business to attend to.

For those who do enjoy bathroom reading, there are a series of books I highly reccomend (for non-bathroom readers as well). You may have heard of "Uncle John's Bathroom Reader". These are book jamed with numerous fun stories and facts. Some are long, some medium and others short. I currently have two of these books, though I can't find one. The one I do have is "Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges Into History" (get the play on words there? Nutty Uncle John). I came across the engravings of famous tombstones while reading the other day and thought I'd share.

Alexander the Great
A tomb now suffices for him
For whom the world was not enough

Alphonse Capone
My Jesus Mercy

Emily Dickinson
Called Back

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (one of my favorite authors)
Steel Truth, Blade Straight

Wyatt Earp
...that nothing's so sacred as honor and nothing's so loyal as love

Robert Lee Frost
I had A Lover's Quarrel With The World

Picture Update

I have added captions and some descriptions to both the Plymouth Album and Ellis' Trip Album.

Enjoy!

Ellis' in Boston 2006

Just a few pictures the Ellis' took while we were in Boston (along the Freedom Trail) this weekend . Click on the below picture to view the entire album.

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I will add captions to all the pictures sometime this week.

Plymouth, MA

Today we went to the very historic town of Plymouth, MA. We visited the Plimouth (spelled correctly) Plantation where we learned about the Wampanoag Tribe as well as the English colonist. This was a 'live action' setting. The Native Americans were actual members of the Tribe. They were farming, cooking and building huts. The Colonist were actors, but kept in character. You had to communicate with the them in Old English dialect. They too were farming, sewing, and building. You could go into their homes and look around, ask questions. I met the govenor of Plymouth Plantation. You can imagine how surprised I was when I found his grave later in the day (see below)!

From here we went to the Mayflower II (replica) and toured it (complete with more colonist). Pretty amazing how cramped the living space was. It took about 62 days to sail from England to here.

We also saw the actual Plymouth Rock, which is of course where the pilgrims landed. This was a pretty cool experience. They have it 'caged' off because many people used to chip away pieces of it. It used to be three times larger. Still, it was very cool to see.

Finally we just walked around town (old graveyard with Revolution soldiers' tombstones, shops, shoreline, and dinner at a seafood resturant on the wharf..I had the Apple Salmon).

To see the album, just click on the picture below. For futrue reference, you can get to all the pictures in my album through the 'Photo Album' link on my side bar (I finally got the new Yahoo Photo Album up and running).


Sunday we are going to Cape Cod, so check back for more pics. Enjoy your holiday weekend!

Soul Patrol Baby!

....... Taylor crushes 'Kat' in American Idol finale
(as illustrated in the below picture).
.......

Thank goodness.
I was seriously beginning to wonder if the show only produced female winners.

Evolution of Dance Video

"The Evolution of Dance"
Comedian Judson Laipply
(http://www.lifeischange.com/)

This is a hilarious video! You know I've never done you wrong with videos on here before, so click on the above picture to give it a watch. NOTE: the above website does not contain the video at this time. www.lifeischange.com is just the comedian's website. I give credit where credit is due.
As always, it will be added to the video section for future use.

Props to my sister for sending the video my way. For those keeping score, Amy now has 2 "Robert's Blog Material Props" and is currently in the lead. Want to earn a R.B.M.P.? Act now and send me funny material. If I think it is Robert's Land worthy, I'll post it and you will receive a 'props'!

Only 4 days left of Summer Blitz! Thanks for everyone's patience.

"Everything and a Kite" Part 1

The following features 2 excerpts from a book I enjoy reading over and over again. It's "Everything and a Kite" by Ray Romano. I know that not everybody really loves Raymond, but this book is great. Hope you enjoy. Also, I have posted a new poll so be sure to vote!
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Chapter 5: Married Guy
As much as I'm advocating affection and attention toward women, sometimes you have to cut us a little slack, sisterhood.

I mean, there are times when you have to be reasonable. When my wife and I go to bed, she tends to fall alseep right away. She's tired. I'm tired, too, but I like to stay up and read a little.

That bugs her.

She'll wake up, roll over...

"What are you doing?"
"I'm reading."
"I thought we were going to talk to each other."
"You fell asleep."
"So right away you gotta pick up a book?"

I don't even know where to beging with that one. She gets mad that I'm not focusing on her, even while she's sleeping. I guess my wife's vision of how life should be is that I pay attention to her at every waking moment, and when she falls asleep I sketch her.
---------------------------------
Chapter 7: The Baby

As your child gets older, the diaper stage takes on a whole different dynamic. If you've ever seen a kid poop in his diaper standing up, you know what I am talking about. If you ask me, it's why man invented the video camera.

It's quite a funny sight. And you can always tells when it's happening.

When everything's normal, they're running around the room at a hundred miles an hour. It's when you catch that sudden slowdown in the action that you know it's time to plug in the Handicam.

Suddenly, instead of running, they're walking. Then they're pacing, and finally they come to a complete stop. Just standing in one spot. Although in some instances you might be able to direct a slight rocking.

Then they get an odd look on their face. It's sort of a slight grimace with a "why me" in their eyes. The back arches a little. And then the dead giveaway, the shuffle behind the furniture.

If you see your diaper-clad child with that face on, wedged into a little nook and cranny somewhere behind the couch, it's go-time.

In some cases you might witness what I call "the Leaner." It's everything mentioned above, with a little extra strain in his face as he bends over slightly at the waist, putting one hand on the couch arm for support.

Never make eye contact with "the Leaner." He's like a pit bull, and if he sees you looking at him, you're going to get a face full of growl.

"ARRRRRRRRGH! ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!"

Oddly enough, as an adult, things really don't change that much. Sure, you probably don't have people watching you, but there's always some idiot knocking on the bathroom door. You still growl, only now it's: "I'M IN HERE!"
-------------------------------------------------------


"Everything and a Kite" by Ray Romano
Bantam Books
New York, NY
1998
All Rights Reserved.

Where's Waldo...errr Robert?

Just wanted to let those wondering why I haven't been posting, emailing or appearing online know that I have begun my "Summer Blitz" (mini-mester) and it is keeping me pretty busy. So no need to think I am ignoring you or no longer like you. I am just busy and I am lucky to even be posting this. Technically, I don't have the time to post this. I am just trying to head off the "I guess you hate me since you never talk to me anymore" emails. Because then I'd have to take time to answer those, just because I care.

Summer Blitz will be finished On May 19th. IF I have time during Blitz, I might try and type up some short excerpts from a book I read every year by Ray Romano ("Everything and a Kite") - just to keep you all smiling and coming back for more blog-lovin'.

Until then, keep on doing the kung fu hustle.

Interesting News Story

Found this story in the Boston Globe (by Andrea Estes). Thought I'd share some excerpts with you all:
------------------------------
"After six minutes of debate and with no roll call vote, Boston city councilors approved 16.6 percent raises yesterday for themselves and the mayor.

The raises would increase the councilors' salaries from $75,000 a year to $87,500 and the mayor's annual pay from $150,000 to $175.000. Base pay for Massachusetts legislators is $55,570, with an additional $15,000 annually for those who chair legislative committees. The Massachusetts governor's salary is $135,000 annually.

''It's striking that city councilors are paid so much more than state legislators, who have much greater authority and responsibility," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.

Of the mayor's raise, Widmer said, ''There's a clear inequity when the state's constitutional officers are paid so much less than the mayor of Boston."

[from Robert - the following is my favorite part!]

Councilors defended the action, saying they have not had raises since 2002 and complaining that they are forced to perform the politically awkward task of approving their own salary increases in public.

'Every four years, the City Council is put in the unenviable position of having to vote on compensation for the executive branch, the legislative branch, and top policy makers,' said Council President Michael F. Flaherty. 'Until a new mechanism is put in place, we'll probably have this same story in four years.'
------------------

Man. I want to be a city council member.

"She's Hot", "Look Up in the Sky" and more!

........
First order of busniess: thanks to everyone one who participated in my last blog. I called on readers to help out with a fun little question and the response was AMAZING! So to the 2 who answered the question, I thank you. Yes, yes...you will say, "But Robert! There are a total of 4 comments posted!" Ah yes. Well kudos to the new visitor. I am excited about him stopping by, but said person didn't technically answer the question. And the other comment I posted after someone read it over my shoulder at school. He doesn't know he his opinion was made public.

Now, on to the good stuff. A few new additions to this old house. First up, if you turn on your speakers, you will hear some wonderful music courtesy of http://www.ksbj.org/ a Christian radio station out of Houston that Bryan introduced me to. I may switch back and forth from the contemporary music to the praise and worship. Just to keep things fresh and you crazy loyal fans on your toes. The music can be turned off or muted the normal way. Or, if you can't figure that out, just turn off your speakers.

Secondly, you may have noticed an odd addition to my side bar. This newly added section titled "Google Help" is supposed bring up useful information/links related to the conent of my blog. Just as a disclaimer, I don't pick out what links appear in this section. Sooo the views expressed may not neccessarily be the views of Robert's (New) Land.

Speaking of Google, if you scroll all the way to the bottom of my blog you will find a blog search space. Type it whatever you are needing to search for and press enter. Google...good stuff.

Thirdly, I have added yet another new topic to my side bar titled "Celiac Disease Information". This is a illness I am affected with as are numerous people across the U.S. I just thought I'd help spread the 'knowledge' so other people can be in the know.

I am still working on "Christianity Essentials". I haven't had much time to review sites and I don't just want to add any old thing to this section. Look for more there after my summer session ends on May 19. Same for the Photo Album.

Fourthly, there are 2 new clips in the video section. One is from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this past weekend. If you haven't heard about it, President Bush was a great sport and brought along a look alike who stole the show. Follow the link titled "Will the Real President Please Stand Up" and then select 'Launch' by the picture.

The other clip is my favorite. This clip is justification for a lot of my blogs praising a certian upcoming movie. "Superman Returns" released its official trailer today and it is truely impressive and outstanding. Any doubts I had concerning the new movie were obliterated. This is not the same teaser trailer that came out a few months back. This is the one that will be playing with "Mission Impossible 3" and other movies. This trailer is around 2 mins long so be sure to give it a quick viewing, you won't be wasting your time. It is under the clips section with the obvious title "Official Superman Returns trailer".

And finally the really big news. Superman won't be the only one returning this year. We will be making our return to the Lone Star State in November! Of course, as is true with any trip, we need money to get back. So here is my proposal-if you are wanting to see us in November, send money. However much money you send, that is how much time I will spend with you. $5 gets you 5 minutes. This isn't a group deal either. You want to see both of us then that is two payments. You should probably consider that I will start the timer when I get into the car to drive to wherever. If you are 10 minutes away and payed only $5, well then I turn around halfway there.


Just kidding. Unless you would really do it... :)

Gotta get back to studying for finals. Keep it real.

A Question

.........
This is just a fun question I like to ask people: If you could pick out any song to play when Christ returns to Earth (not the rapture), what would it be?

One of the best responses I have heard was "Beautiful Day" by U2 (probably more so the chorus). Good choice in my opinion. I have a couple I would pick, but after studying for finals all day I can only recall one ("Days of Elijah"...the "There's no God like Jehova" part).

What would yours be? I need participation for this to work, otherwise its a pretty dull blog (which might lead to me not posting as often or not at all). Post your answer(s) in the comments. For those who don't know how to do that, listen up...

1. At the end of each new post (post = what I write) there is a link that stats "0 Comments" (or however many comments may be there...generally 0). Click on that and it will take you to the comments page. Here you can see the comments others have posted AS WELL AS LEAVE YOUR OWN. You do not need to sign up or have a membership or draw blood to do this.

2. On the right of the screen, there is a box you type your comment in (it even says "Leave Your Comment"). Simply type in words using your keyboard.

3. Underneath the comment box, it says "Select an Identity". IF you have a membership on Blogspot then you should already know what to do. For the rest of you, select "Other" and type in your name. You can also be Anonymous, but then where is the fun in that?

4. Finally, underneath the name section, it has a "Word Verification". Type in the letters it shows and then press the "Publish Comment" button.

And there you have it. Pretty simple. So please take a few seconds and let me know what
song(s) you would pick out.

Hey! You Look Just Like....

..........
Have you ever been compared to a celebrity? Most of the time (the person being compared) wonders how on earth they could look like such and such.

My sister found a wicked sweet website where you can see exactly who you look like.

It is www.myheritage.com Registration is free and takes maybe 1 minute. You load a picture of you (or whoever) and it scans your face. It then pulls up numerous pictures of celebs you look like. For instance, I had comparrisons to Matt Damon which really shot up my self esteem. Especially since it also compared me to Rachel Bilson (O.C. fame).

There is also an option to find out what historical/family tree connections you may have, but I haven't looked into that yet. There may be a fee if you want to go that route.

Go check it out though. It's a lot of fun and even addictive.

Props to Amy.

Resurrection Sunday

.......

And there he finished his work, on the third day.

..........

.....

Remember…
.....

-------------------------------------------------

.....
May everyone remember the true reason for this day, and the only reason for our salvation. Those who choose Christ, who surrendered His own life for our sake, will receive forgiveness for their sins and eternal life.

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

"Alas My Love" by DC Talk
Album: Jesus Freak (1998)

Silent Saturday

...



No candle-burning vigil could light the way
darkness hit the ground, like a fallen satellite.

He wrestled until morning with human souls and dark angels...

--------------------------------

To be concluded

Great Friday

........


Alas my love you say goodbye,
wipe the poison from my brow.
Alas my love this guilty night,
gives me up like a foster child.





And in this moment I take my vow,
with these angels sleeping at my feet.
And in this moment you do not know how, how my spirit wants to flee.

You see it was one man against the night, taking on a multitude that had left him high and dry...

---------------------------------

To be continued tomorrow

Robert's Land...Now Fat Free!

......
Robert's Land is up and running again! I made a few changes while rebuidling. My link sections are expanded and a little more specific (ie - I put all my favorite sport related links together).

I think I found all my previous video clips. If you didn't get a chance to see them before, be sure to check them out (my favs are still the 2 Tom Cruise clips) .

I also added a few new sections; the most important being a new photo album powered by Yahoo. It is currently under construction, but keep checking back for updates to that section.
Besides that and my "Favorite Movies" section, everything is back to normal, but also much improved I hope. I even added a new poll as a 'thanks' for everyone's patience.

So welcome back, be sure to take your shoes off at the door and enjoy!

Dern It

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As you can see, my blog is having some issues. While changing my background, all my good side bar info vanished so I am in the process of rebuilding. Hopefully it will be back up and better than new soon.

Fight Scene Video Added

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Yet another video has been added the site. It is titled "Best Fight Scene Ever...?".
Nothing kinky, I promise. Unless you like this sort of thing.

Wicked props to my brother John for finding this one.

Video Section Updated

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Just added a new clip to the video section. It is just a small thing that made me smile so why not share it with others? The clip is titled "Bugging You".

Useless Fun

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Take the quiz:
Which Nintendo Chracter are you?

I am...Link
Your famous and really cool

That's right kiddos. I'm Link. Retrieve the triforce, save Princess Zelda, restore peace in the kingdom. Plus I get a sword.
Who will you be?
If you take the quiz, be sure to post on here what cahracter you are!

New Video

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I have added an update to the "Video Clips" section of this blog. Featured is a finale of entertainer Chris Bliss in which he performs an amazing juggling routine. Just click on the "Chris Bliss" title under said section.