Thanksgiving Day is an annual holiday celebrating the harvest and other blessings
of the past year. Historically, thanks have been directed towards God. But what
about today – do we still consider Thanksgiving as a time to thank God for all that
he does?
For many years, it was common for retailers to open at 6:00am, but in the late 2000s,
many started to open at 5:00 or 4:00. This was taken to the extreme in 2011, when
several retailers opened at midnight. In 2010 Walmart opened at 10:00pm on Thanksgiving
day and Toys 'R' Us at 9:00, Sears was open all day.
It’s a very noticeable trend that as time goes by we move farther and farther away
from God. Businesses are requiring their employees to work on Thanksgiving. The
media capitalizes on the shopping season working to distract us with materialistic
things. The sports industry schedules back to back games on Thanksgiving. With all
these distractions it can be very easy for people to forget or downplay the importance
of Thanksgiving. The world is working so very hard to keep our mind and focus off
God.
While everyday of our lives should be spent in giving thanks to God. Thanksgiving
is a day that gives us the opportunity to join together with family and friends
and share in that time of thankfulness. Thanksgiving comes but once a year and it
should be cherished.
Maybe try and schedule other times during the year to fellowship and spend some
time in thanksgiving. Whether its next year’s Thanksgiving or a time that you make
your own. Tell your employer that you won’t be able to work. Turn off your TV that
is so many times is the portal for distractions and sin.
I want to encourage you to spend time with your family and friends at every opportunity.
I pray that you have a wonderful holiday season and Lord willing a fantastic New
Year.
~Daniel
Below is a list of stores that were open on Thanksgiving Day 2011:
CVS - Open 24 hours
Rite Aid - Open 24 hours
Walgreens - Open 24 hours
Kmart - 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Meijer - Doorbuster specials start at 6:00 AM open until midnight
Raley's - 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Bass Pro Shops - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Fred's - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Target - 29 stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Gander Mountain - 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Gap - Open until 8:00 PM
Michael's Crafts - 4:00 PM
Safeway - Stores open at regular hours until 6:00 PM
Save Mart - Stores will open at the regular hours and be open until 5:00 PM
Toys 'R Us - Open 10:00 PM Thanksgiving Day through 11:00 PM Black Friday night
Wal-Mart - Open 10:00 PM Thanksgiving Day and will remain open continuously through
Black Friday
Athleta - Store hours on Thanksgiving Day TBA
Banana Republic - Store hours on Thanksgiving Day TBA
Banana Republic Factory Stores - Store hours on Thanksgiving Day TBA
Express - Store hours on Thanksgiving Day TBA
Gap Outlet - Store hours on Thanksgiving Day TBA
Old Navy - Store hours on Thanksgiving Day TBA
In addition to shopping, it is estimated that 14 million consumers will be eating
at major retail restaurant chains instead of eating dinner at home with their families
this Thanksgiving 2011. Here are some that were open:
Boston Market
Buca di Beppo
Cracker Barrel
Denny's
Golden Corral
Legal Seafoods
Maggiano's Little Italy
McCormick and Schmick
Mimi's Cafe
Montana Mike's Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Shoney's
Ted’s Montana Grill
The Palm
I came upon a group of cars in the middle of a four lane road. At first I couldn’t
understand why they were stopped. As I looked ahead I saw a flock of geese crossing
the street. And let me tell ya - they were taking their own sweet time. One goose
even stopped in the middle of the road and with an intimidating look stared steadily
at the cars in front of it. The flock ruled the road and were not going to be moved
until they were ready. It was very funny to see. They all had a lot of character
and all in all it took about four minutes for the nine of them to cross. Which when
you think about it four minutes is a long time.
Twenty five years have passed since the day I was born. I’m now one quarter of a
century old. Oddly enough my father is two quarters of a century and my grandfather
is three. People sometimes tend to take getting older harder than others and yet
I don’t feel upset about my age. This is strange because I normally do.
I’ve lived through twenty five years of joy, pain, love, sorrow and each passing
year I see and experience more and more of the wonders that we call life. I look
back at the past year and the troubles or successes I’ve had. I wonder about what
troubles or success I’ll have in the year to come. There are always milestones in
each year that you remember. Whether it’s a joyful experience like a baby being
born or a time of sadness when someone passes away, these experiences help you develop
and grow into the person you are. I am so thankful for the experiences I’ve had
in my life. The wonderful family and friends God has blessed me with truly molded
me for the better.
When I look back at my life and think about what I’m most thankful for, I always
choose the times when I was struggling. I feel that having a difficult childhood
or going through trials has helped me more than the positive times. It has given
me a deeper appreciation for the smallest things in life. To love and care for all
people no matter what the case, the way a Christian should. I don’t always act this
way. But I try harder each day to be the Christian that God wants me to be. And
I’m thankful that he has given me those trials to help me grow in that way.
Time goes by so quickly, “We are but a vapor that appears for a little while then
vanishes.” (James 4:14) Each day we have is a blessing and an opportunity. We don’t
know what will happen tomorrow. So we must live each day to the fullest, striving
to teach and encourage everyone we meet. We are fortunate, we have much more than
what we need to be content. Enjoy life how it is and as it comes. There are many
things in your life that will catch your eye but only a few will catch your heart.
Pursue those. For tomorrow “Lord willing” we’ll be another year older and soon we’ll
be out of time. So use the time you have wisely, it is so precious.
There are many choices that we make during our lifetime. Some of these choices will
affect us for years at a time, while others will come and pass in days. The choices
that we make help us grow into who we are. There are many choices that bring happiness
and many that bring sadness. There are even some choices that bring both. Then there
is always the chance that the choices you make can bring both happiness and sadness
to others.
It can be a very personal and emotional subject with people when you talk about
the choices that they’ve made. People write books and sell countless audio and visual
stimulants to help people cope with the choices that have brought sadness. It is
the ones that bring sadness that tend to grab my attention. This is mainly because
of my over dramatic nature, which I developed due to the choices that I’ve made
and the choices that my parents have made. Which case in point brings us back to
my first point that the choices we make turn us into the people we are.
It’s very heart breaking to realize and see the effects that poor choices do to
people. The lack of care and love that is missed is huge. It is so unbelievable
that our own human nature is so selfish and self-serving that we make choices that
harm other people. What’s worse is that we make these choices consciously and sometimes
on purpose.
The one thing you should never do is bring up old wounds to make a point. The question
is: Is it really so important for you to make your point that you’re willing to
cause someone pain, especially when it’s not needed or warranted? Ask yourself that
question the next time you decide to open your mouth and speak. This happens so
often and many times it is done without thinking. It’s not until later that you
realize what you’ve said and by that time is it too late. People become wrapped
up in the moment and often say the first thing that comes to mind.
I was filled with so much sadness and love recently for a dear friend of mine as
I looked at them sitting on a couch watching TV. They didn’t know that I was looking
at them, but because I know their history I couldn’t help but wonder what was going
through their head. They have had a rough road and I’m so thankful for where they
are at now in their life. The choices they have made has very much moved them to
the person they are today. It is such a great blessing to see healthy growth in
people. It is always an answered prayer.
I hope that you make smart and righteous decisions each and every day. There is
always an opportunity for you to teach and encourage those you are around. I encourage
you to make that choice when it’s presented. You never know when someone needs a
helping hand.
I get out of bed like clockwork at 7:40 each morning (Yes, even on Saturdays). I
hit the shower at 7:41. Then get out of the shower at 7:51. I’m out the door by
8:05. This is my morning routine. Each day I walk into work with my Bible, water
bottle, and a cloth jacket. I always have trouble carrying my jacket. I’m never
quite sure how I should hold it. Whether I should fold it over my arm, throw it
over my shoulder, or loosely carry it in my hand. Not that this matters in any way
to the rest of the world. I still like to look composed when I make my way into
the building. And I never think about this until I park my car and I’m walking into
work. This is something that I probably focus on too much.
We are all creatures of habit. We all without thought have rituals that we follow.
We get flustered when something interferes or throws us out of place. Our natural
human habits make it very easy to get overwhelmed with worldly rituals. They cause
us to lose focus on what we should do and point us to what we want to do. When the
fact of the matter is that what we should do, should be the same thing that we want
to do. We should pray each morning when wake up and each night before we go to sleep.
But we should “what” to pray each morning and evening.
Does your morning ritual start with a prayer? When you go to bed at night; do you
remember to thank God for the day he has blessed you with? I know that I’m not as
focused as I could be. I think this is something that everyone could work on. We
all have the opportunity to encourage others and treat people with kindness and
love. We have all heard the saying “Kindness affects more than severity.” This is
so true.
I want to encourage you to encourage others. Extend a helping hand when it’s needed.
Be anxious to help and serve others and your life will be filled with joy and happiness.
Break out of your routine and see something new. There is no telling what you might
find.
Life's not fair, is it? For soon The Lion King will be out of theaters and you will
have missed your chance to see the best Disney movie ever in digital 3D.
Out of all the films that Disney has produced, The Lion King is at the top of the
list. The Lion King was released Christmas Day in 2002 to IMAX and in now in 2011
to Digital 3D. The Lion King makes a triumphant return to the screen after 17 years
since its release in 1994. Its every bit as majestic and wonderful as it originally
was.
The opening scene is one of the most dramatic and well directed scenes I’ve seen.
It sets the stage for the whole movie and for the children in the audience they
become totally enveloped and awe struck by the magnitude of the environment. Then
with a sounding boom the title hits the screen and a smile comes across their face.
In digital 2D and 3D The Lion King is very moving. It has huge landscapes that really
capture your focus and you can really take in all the animation. The digital rendering
of this film lets you see all the strokes and design the artists originally aspired
to create.
From the dramatic movement of the camera that pulls you into the landscapes and
the acting of the characters really helps you connect with the story. I’ve watch
this movie countless times, but because of the way the music plays out seeing it
again in theaters I was still tense. The overwhelming music creates the whole atmosphere
for the film.
With all of these elements I feel that this film was not written, directed, and
shot as an animated movie aimed only at the children, but more of a dramatic story
intended for all ages. I’d say that The Lion King really isn’t good for super young
audiences. It has intense elements such as the tone of the music and script that
might darken your day. The acting and script make you feel for the characters and
connect with their emotions.
The Lion King is a classical movie that is loved by everyone. It puts a smile on
your face and makes you feel like you’re part of the adventure. The Lion King is
the best drawn Disney movie ever made. Go see it in digital 2D or 3D before its
gone!
I’m slowly going to start moving all the content from the
CardBoardCrack page to the main site. The CBC page really doesn’t get used
and I think it will be much simpler to create another section here for all that
content. This is the first post on the main site that is related to Magic the Gathering,
so you have missed anything; however if you could care less about Magic, then stop
reading now. HAHAHA!!! Be looking for more updates soon.
“One of the most hideously powered creatures in MTG history. A creature I still
see in my nightmares.”
This quote was taken from a widely used MTG message board, and it holds true to
many veterans of the game. Psychatog is not a legendary creature, however he is
one of those “legendary” cards that everyone remembers and knows. He has seen play
in every major constructed format. There have been countless tournament-worthy decks
build around him. So whether you’re a beginner or an old school magician you know
or have seen this card before.
From the beginning of his printing players instantly fell in love with the power
of this creature. Discard 2 cards, then remove those cards from the game, now and
he’s a 4/5, crazy. He is a huge “enabler” for other mechanics. Madness cards, for
example, were first a big part of this little guy. In recent years the dredge mechanic
has become the most widely used combo with Psychatog, now producing more synergy
then before. Psychatog works so well with many cool and interesting mechanics that
he is independently great, because this causes him to be very versatile and also
makes him easy to build a deck around.
Psychatog is very fluid, he has a low mana cost that is combined with a wide variety
of lands to make him playable. He disables many cards that might be played against
you, “Haunting Echoes, Dark Banishing, Shock, or any other direct damage won't work
on him. He can take down almost any creature in combat at just the cost of a couple
of cards. He's uncommon, and therefore, not all that hard to get your hands on.
All in all he is a wonderful addition to many decks.
I know what you might be asking yourself and the answer is, YES! Psychatog is broken,
but having broken cards are all part of the fun, and what makes MTG the wonderful
game that it is.
It’s 1873 and the earth is in danger. The fate of humanity is left in the gun heavy
hands of rugged cowboys of the old west in a town called Absolution. Daniel Craig
plays as the stagecoach killer, who is something of a western style Jason Bourne.
With fast moving hands and a silent charisma he is a force to be reckoned with.
Harrison Ford is an over dramatic cattle rancher who believes the earth revolves
around him, and like an angel from heaven Olivia Wilde is something of a mystery.
This film was not shot as a comedy, however I found myself many times cracking up
at the comical dance between Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford. One scene in particular,
Craig and Ford are having an argument and soon Ford punches Craig in the stomach
with the posture that the punch will not be returned. Only Craig instantly returns
the punch to Fords face, leaving Ford with a bewildered yet respectful look of amazement.
“I’m dying to hear the commentary on this scene, Daniel Craig punching the Man’s
Man Harrison Ford and getting away with it.”
Soon the film turns to the stars.
They have crossed the galaxy in search of precious gold. The aliens attack the town
of Absolution. They attack at night destroying the buildings strategically forcing
the people to fill the streets. Soon they begin to reel up human victims into their
small flying ships in order to study human weaknesses.
These green hulk like aliens have the movement of gorillas, they are fast and evasive.
The aliens have huge chest cavities that open to reveal slimy three-fingered hands.
This is one alien trait that has become almost expected in every sci-fi film, the
unknown inner workings of an alien’s body. From Alien to Independence Day this trait
is always exciting and new.
The only thing that kept this movie from turning into a cult classic is the underplayed
sci-fi theme at the end. The Cowboys enter the alien spaceship to rescue the human
victims. They enter a large room where all the victims are held in place by metal
cords. Soon they free them and escape the alien ship. I would have loved to see
a completely 360 degree change in setting at this point. Go from Tombstone to Star
Trek. Have laser guns, teleporters, and holograms. You are no longer involved in
a western film but an intense heart racing sci-fi with no time to think. This was
something that I was very disappointed about, however it didn’t break the movie.
With opening scenes of a very familiar western setting, the film will draw anyone
in. There’s non-stop action from start to finish in this classic western, with a
splash of a sci-fi element. “Cowboys & Aliens” is a thriller with surprises around
every corner. Combined with an outrageous plot, fantastic acting, and absolutely
wonderful direction, this film is a must see for any action junky.
“Since the dawn of time man and vampire have been locked in a never ending battle.
A battle of conquest for the planet. The battle has grown more fierce than ever
before and man must find a new weapon, or their extinction may very soon be at hand.
Out of the depths of despair a new force begins to rise. The Priest, skilled assassins
are trained in deadly martial arts and weaponry. They are mankind’s last defense
against the vampires. Soon the Priest vanquish the attacking threat and heard the
last remaining vampires into guarded reservations, were they can be monitored and
controlled.
Now that the vampires have been subdued, the Priest are no longer needed by man
and are stripped of their duty. The Priest are discharged and moved back into the
society that they had been protecting. It’s an unfamiliar place without danger lurking
around every corner. A wasteland filled by church governed cities where people are
taught to obey the church without question. But soon the Priest may be needed again.”
This is the initial story given at the beginning of the movie, after this the rest
of the plot is very bland. There is not much to keep your attention other than shear
curiosity on what will happen next.
This post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller is by no means a box office hit. Without the
performance of Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, and Maggie Q, I wouldn’t recommend this
movie even as a “Good Rental”. But they don’t disappoint and give wonderful performances.
However the rest of the movie is subpar.
When you see movies like this you know it won’t be winning any awards, however the
movie is filmed in a grease and grim style that aids the great action scenes, high
energy fights, and chases that give this film its excitement. The dialogue lacks
drama and serves only to keep the film moving. It is very hard to bond with the
characters with this kind of demeanor.
I really had high hopes for this movie. The mythology and story are fantastic and
definitely has potential to produce a wonderful sequel along with the aid of better
direction and production. All in all I enjoyed the film, and here’s to high hopes
in the future…
I passed a mother and son at the end of the checkout line. She was showing her son
(who I guess is no more than 5 or 6 years old) the receipt of his recent purchase
and very delicately trying to explain to him how much money he had left. I couldn’t
help but smile when I walked by. I can remember when I was very young and how important
a dollar was. Each penny found on the street was like winning the lottery. A few
penny’s sometimes made the difference between a regular size or king size candy
bar.
It reminded me of a time with my mother. She started teaching me at a very young
age how to manage my money. I started around the age of 6 or 7 the 30, 30, 30, 10
system. It’s broken down like this.
After bills (which include gas and food):
30% of each paycheck goes into a “Long Term” savings account.
This is a savings account that you never touch. (I bought my first car with this
account when I was 16.)
30% of each paycheck goes into a “Short Term” savings account.
This is a savings account that is set for small term goals. (Vacations, Emergencies,
Christmas gifts, etc.)
30% of each paycheck is for “Quick Cash” or spending money.
This is cash that you can keep at home or in your pocket. (Eating out, going to
the movies, hobbies)
10% is for the church.
This is a great system and really works if you can stick to it. You may have to
shift around the percentages at first to see what you can work with. But the golden
rule of this system is that the “Long Term” savings can never go under 30% and the
“Short Term” savings can never go below 25%.
If you haven’t already worked out a system with your kids give this one a try. Get
4 different jars and put them in their room with labels “Long Term”, “Short Term”,
Quick Cash”, and “Church” and see how well they stick to it. When their old enough
to apply for a savings account I recommend moving the “Long Term” savings to a bank.
This is just so you don’t have a crazy amount of cash sitting around the house.
I hope this helps and encourages you to start budget if you haven’t already done
so. I can’t say I’m the best at this but I’m working on it. Have fun!
I’ve been very careless lately with my writing. I haven’t written anything in days
and I feel that a part of me has died. Writing has become such a large part of my
life and has grown into a form a therapy and guidance for my thoughts. Even now,
and only writing few sentences and I feel like I can breathe again.
The past 6 weeks have been very trying, in good ways mostly. But when I think about
all the recent events I am completely amazed how much has happened in so little
time. Normally things happen every once in a while but if I were to draw it out,
the past 6 weeks have been more like the past 2 years.
Jason and I have a saying. And it’s not really a saying that we came up with because
I’m sure you’ve heard it before. But more of a thought that when things are going
good and all is at peace with the world, usually that is the time when something
comes along to shake things up.
Just like now, I was riding along and then I was blindsided by a train.
I was recently asked, “How are you?” to which I replied, “Good”. And I was telling
the truth. I am good. But I have a great deal of worry and concern for my friends
and family which in turn makes me feel otherwise. With all the uncertainty of the
recent events my mind has begun to wonder. I wonder about the future of the church,
the future of my family and friends. I wonder about my relationship with God and
how I feel like I am constantly disappointing him. We all strive to be better Christians
day by day. And think God that we have that gift. Each day is precious and is given
with the expectation that you live as and Christian and teach and encourage as much
as you can.
The thought that gives me the most comfort is to know that I’m part of the family
that has no end. My family that I have the hope of being with in heaven forever.
Read 1 Timothy 5:1-2
1 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father.
Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters,
with absolute purity.
I’m so thankful that God has given us that opportunity. To be a part of a family
that we’ll hopefully be together forever. Doesn't that feel good to say? “I’m a
part of a family that will be with me forever.”
This came to me while waiting for a friend to finish getting his hair cut. My friend
was in the barber chair and the barber was trimming away. Sitting a few seats down
from me was a young man no more then 25 years of age. He sat there patiently and
quietly waiting for his turn, and giving extra effort to sit there unnoticed. A
few minutes later a barber called his name and he rushed over the barber station.
Once he was in the barber’s chair he got a big smile on his face and started talking
like he hadn’t talked in years, and he continued to talk until the barber finished.
When the barber finished he slowly got out of the chair, said “Thank you.” and with
the same depressed demeanor as before walked to the counter to pay. Which out saying
a word he paid the clerk and then left the shop.
I thought to myself, “Why did he seem so enthusiastic to talk to the barber and
no one else?” I gathered that they were not relatives or friends on account that
they introduced each other when they met. “So why did this young man act this way?”
There is an understood and unspoken bond of trust between you and your barber. You
trust them to style and shape your hair into what the rest of the world will see.
Giving your barber this trust tells them that you’re putting your appearance in
their hands. With this trust grows an atmosphere of warmth. There becomes an established
bond between you and your barber of unbiased opinion that lets you feel safe.
I believe that this is the reason that many people share their lives and world with
the people tasked to make them look appealing to it. People develop strong relationships
with whoever they spend a majority of their time with. Whether it’s in their families,
or work places, or at church, people search for friendship.
But what if someone doesn’t have a strong family life? Or they work in an unfriendly
environment? Or they don’t attend a church? Who are these people going to talk to?
Feeding the poor is a big eye opener. People who are in need love to talk. It’s
not because they’re hoping you’ll show them generosity. But that you will listen
to what they have to say.
I believe this need to be heard spans from the fast growing selfishness of the world.
The world is turning into a very un-personable place. We have facebook, twitter,
and self service checkouts line so that we don’t have to look at each other in the
face. Everyone is caught up in the media and the “I” generation. I. I. I. Me. Me.
Me. The world has advanced to an “I” way of feeling. “You don’t need anyone, because
you are independent and can do it yourself no matter what it is.” Apple has capitalized
on this idea (iPhone, iPad, iMac, iTunes, iPhoto). All of these products work easily
so that you don’t have to, which in turn eliminates the need to ask for help.
It is human nature to place ourselves above others, which in turn makes those selfish
people unappealing to those that are in need. There are countless people striving
to find someone to talk to. Most often then not these people go unheard.
Stop texting and call the person. We all remember what it was like in grade school.
We would anxiously give a note to a girl or boy asking them if they liked us. The
note would read,
We acted this way when we were children because it was more comfortable then talking
face to face. The same goes for texting and email. A phone call now days are a real
encouragement to people. When you text it’s a way of avoidance. This is not to say
that texting is completely wrong. But there is a time and place for everything.
A few years ago I wrote a column titled “Technology is it a good thing?” In that
column I wrote about how advances in technology might soon create a system using
cell phones to do everyday things. One example was: When you enter Target, Target’s
phone system would connect to your cell phone using Bluetooth and send you a text
asking, “Would you like to connect to Target?” Once you have connected you would
then be able scan your phone over an item and it will charge it to your bank account.
Because of this, there will no longer be the need for cashiers or that interaction
with people.
I don’t think technology is a bad thing but if it keeps people from communicating
with one another that is a problem. I encourage you to give someone a phone call
rather than sending them a text. I encourage you to be willing to listen to someone
you haven’t listened to before. From experience I’ve seen that those people who
develop relationships with their barber or pharmacist really need to be heard. They
are striving for relationships anywhere they can find them.
All people are in need of friendship and love. Often times the most successful marriages
and best of friends are those who really listen to one another. Try to carry yourself
in a way that is inviting. Don’t walk with you head down. No one wants you to talk
to someone that’s in the dumps. Positivity is a very attractive quality and people
are drawn to it. Strive to be one of those and you will be blessed.
Hanna is introduced as a teenage girl on the hunt, waiting patiently in the snow.
The film starts with her killing a dear with a bow and arrow. As she is focused
on gutting the dead animal and giving special attention not to spoil the meet, a
deep voice sounds behind her. “You’re dead.” She turns and without a moments hesitation
advances in hand to hand combat with this stranger. He is much stronger but she
shows no fear. The man turns out to be her father and she just failed a training
exercise. Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) and her father Erik, (Eric Bana), live secluded
in an arctic forest in a small house resembling something from Hansel and Gretel.
All the details about the location are not explained until later. For a time you
are left with your own conclusions. But this much is clear, Hanna has been trained
in unparalleled self-defense and survival skills. Her father has trained her to
adapt and survive in any situation. From this you learn that Erik was once a lethal
agent for the CIA.
Hanna is at the age where the young mind becomes very curious. She has been sheltered
her entire life. She has never had contact with anything or anyone other then nature
and her father. Erik soon realizes her need for contact and experience. So they
both agree to jump back into the real world. Eric shows great fear and concern for
her well being. He knows the moment they take that jump that they will be hunted
by the CIA. Hanna is aware of this and is willing to take the chance.
Hanna has been alone, never knowing anyone her age. She no doubtingly has wondered
what her mother was like, for she has never met a woman. She is completely detached
from humanity. But where she lacks in social skills she makes up for with fluent
speaking in many languages. She has had all the time in the world to study develop
a strong skill of martial arts and weaponry. She has all the book smarts to survive
but lacks the street smarts many of us have.
Once Hanna is dropped into the real world she soon encounters an ordinary British
family on holiday. Hanna meets her first friend and has her first encounter with
people other then her father. It’s all very new and exciting. The reality and beauty
of this family gives Hanna a small dose of what she’s looking for. Saoirse is outstanding;
she shows deep joy and curiosity in her expressions.
The person in charge of the search and capture of Hanna and her father is a woman
named Marissa Wiegler (Cate Blanchett). Marissa is a complex character. She shelters
her feelings and emotions from her duties. When she is faced with the decision of
good and evil, she is rotten to the core. Although throughout the film she gives
small hints that she is emotionally distressed with her life. As if her subconscious
is screaming to be heard. But in the end she’s a very sly serpent.
The film has a great story, wonderful directing, and breathtaking acting. It’s very
solid. The film has many high action sequences that are very similar of the Bourne
films, while giving time to relax. It’s not a non stop shooting and fighting film.
There are times where the film is a bit slow and this gives aid to strong character
development and really tailors to a deep connection with Hanna. Saoirse takes on
a difficult role as Hanna and does it with ease. She did not disappoint.
You wake up to the sound of your alarm. You stretch in your bed with the motion
that is very similar to the dance “Y.M.C.A.”. You step into a hot shower after which
you brush your teeth with the anticipation of the fresh crisp feeling your mouth
will have the moment you’re finished. You make your way to the kitchen for that
first cup of coffee. You open your front door to the clean morning air. You can
still smell the rain from the night before. You get in you car and head off to face
the world.
Then it hits you. Whether you’re on city streets or the highway there it is. A WRECK!
Driving a car is not a difficult task. The right peddle makes the car move. The
left peddle makes the car stop. If you turn the steering wheel to the right the
car will go right. If you turn the steering wheel to the left the car will go to
the left. It’s a very simple concept.
Scientists have proven that when the weather changes certain chemicals in the brain
stop being produced. Brain cells actually start to degenerate and die. This causes
a loss of motor functions followed by fatigue. Whether it’s rain, sleet, snow, high
wind, or even the most harmless element FOG! This loss of motor functions followed
by fatigue almost always occurs.
For years this was an unknown phenomenon. It was first discovered in 2011 by Professor
John Huff. He realized there was an increase in car wrecks when the weather changed
from the day before. Almost if the weather from the previous day was programmed
into the brain, and because the weather was different then the day before the brain
was unable to handle this change.
With this information we are able to understand that due to the change of weather
followed by the loss of motor functions. The simplest of concepts (driving a car)
becomes an impossible mission.
So, the next time you plan to wake up with hopes of getting to work on time or making
that morning appointment. Be sure that you check the weather the night before. Because
we know that wrecks will happen.
This phase will very soon if not already be lost in time. In today’s world more
and more people have turned to using cell phones as opposed to having a land line.
Cell phones have become the standard. So much in fact, that recently my mother told
me that she was at an intersection and every person at that same intersection in
all 3 opposing lanes were talking on their cell phones.
This didn’t come as a surprise to me but more as a feeling of resentment. Resentment,
that we all are so disconnected with each other. I recently attended a seminar where
one of the speakers told us a story about how he watched a family of 4 enter a restaurant,
order, eat, and pay for there food without saying one word to each other. The father
and mother were both talking and emailing on their phones. Both children were playing
video games and listening to music. Again I wasn’t surprised because I’m sure that
I’ve been apart of the same experience at some point.
With the passing of land lines and the growth of cell phones, it got me to thinking
about all the things that will soon be obsolete. I did some online research and
compiled a list of a few things that brought a smile to my face. Here is a list
of some of the things that my children may never know.
1. Video Tapes: “Getting up” and inserting a VHS tape into a VCR. Whether to watch
a movie or to record a show on TV. Now days with the rising growth of Netflix and
the internet people don’t have to “Get up” and do anything.
2. Scanning the radio dial and hearing static between stations: We now have digital
tuners and HD radios. Or how about playing music on an audio tape using a personal
stereo. Do you know what a Walkman is?
3. Rotary dial phones and televisions with no remote control: Some people can remember
when TV channels were only a single digit. Do you remember waiting for the television
network to premiere a movie after its run at the theater. Or where 3-D movies were
still consisted of wearing the red-and-green glasses.
4. Do pay phones or answering machines still exist? Do movie rental stores still
exist?
5. Wires: They are still around, but not for long. I can remember when I was younger
packing up my Nintendo all nice and neat and going over to a friend’s house to play
video games. When I got there and began unpacking my Nintendo something magical
occurred. All the wires to all the components were now tangled into a chaotic mass
of destruction that can only be fixed by sitting for what seemed like hours to sort
out.
6. Blowing the dust out of a NES cartridge: If you don’t have games on CD or DVD
don’t worry. You can almost play every game ever made online. Even CDs might soon
be gone.
7. Floppies and Zip Discs: This fits into the same category as hearing the scream
of a modem connecting, the buzz of a dot-matrix printer, sitting and counting in
kilobytes on a screen, or booting your computer using a floppy disk.
8. Phone Books: Yellow Pages and White Pages will soon be gone. As we as having
to remember someone’s phone number.
9. Real Books: Learning information from an encyclopedia or dictionary. Using a
road atlas to get from point A to point B. Using a card catalog at the library.
10. Beautiful handwriting: Do you remember filling out an order form by hand and
putting it in an envelope and posting it? Can we even read words that don’t have
num8er5 in them? LOL. “LOL” what is that?
11. Cameras that use film: “What does that mean?”
12. Doing business at the bank when the bank is open.
13. “What is a Travel Agent?”
14. Paying For Long Distance: “Wait what is Long Distance?”
In the exploration of locating all the known keyboard shortcuts, I’ve compiled a
list of shortcuts that I feel are the most important. This list is very useful to
and will increase the daily work performance of any modern day PC employee. Whether
you’re just an extreme solitaire player or a programmer for NASA this list will
help. I hope you enjoy.
Minimize a window to your taskbar: ALT + SPACEBAR + N
Maximize a window so it takes up your whole desktop: ALT + SPACEBAR + X
Restore a window so it's visible but doesn't take up your whole desktop: ALT + SPACEBAR
+ R
Close a window: ALT + F4
Switch to the last window you had open: ALT + TAB
Switch to any window: Hold down the ALT key, and press TAB until the window you
want is active
To begin a journey with the brightest outlook imaginable and finish with the greatest
sorrow possible. How does successful voyage turn into a horrid disaster? The mind
wonders from place to place. Starting at the peak of the tallest mountain and flowing
down to the grimiest swamp. The mind can take hold and force you to the edge. This
is the edge where reality stops and dreams begin. Those dreams may produce thoughts
of delight others may give way to the darkest horrors imaginable. Its only at the
precipice do we truly see ourselves for what we are, for what we were, and for what
we want to be. The decision that must be made is, Do we continue on? Or do we stop?
Reason tells us that stopping is never a wise decision. But what else can the answer
be if the only decision you want to make is the one that leads to an end? Do you
put your answer on hold and pray that you find truth? Or do you answer the question
now, because the answer you have is the only one worth giving? We may never know.
The only way to find light again is from an outside influence. A force stronger
then the gloom and loneliness, a force that can lift your mind out of despair and
place it back on the mountain top. To discover such a power is a given blessing
and opportunity, an answered prayer.
We must find this light. We must find this force. We must find this power. That
is our duty. To find the light that will help us when were unable to survive alone.
A secure and strong fortress that will with stand the test of time and will hold
fast to the bind you’ve created. This is our prayer. This is my prayer. That everyone
finds help and guidance when it’s needed most.
Find a faithful friend. Find the love of your family. Find the love of the church.
Know your importance to the ones who love you. Know that you are loved. Find the
love of Christ. Most of all know that God longs for you to be with him in heaven
one day. This is my prayer.
CBS and Katie Couric must be in a panic and rushing to reassure the White House
that this is not network policy-
-re: Andy Rooney’s commentary on prayer.
Folks, this is the year that we RE-TAKE AMERICA & CANADA
********* Get Ready *********
Keep this going around the globe. Read it and forward every time you receive it..
We can’t give up on this issue. Andy Rooney and Prayer
Andy Rooney says:
I don’t believe in Santa Claus, but I’m not going to sue somebody for singing a
Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don’t agree with Darwin , but I didn’t go out and hire
a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his Theory of Evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone
says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what’s the big deal? It’s not
like somebody is up there reading the entire Book of Acts. They’re just talking
to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field
and the fans going home from the game.
But it’s a Christian prayer, some will argue.
Yes, and this is the United States of America and Canada , countries founded on
Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber
all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect — somebody chanting Hare
Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem , I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.
If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad , I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer.
If I went to a ping pong match in China , I would expect to hear someone pray to
Buddha.
And I wouldn’t be offended. It wouldn’t bother me one bit.
When in Rome ……
But what about the atheists? Is another argument!
What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We’re not going to pass the
collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that’s asking too much, bring
a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand.
Call your lawyer!
Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what
they can and cannot do I don’t think a short prayer at a football game is going
to shake the world’s foundations.
Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip
us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating,
to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a
handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.
God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It’s time we tell that one or two
who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn’t care what they
want. It is time that the majority rules! It’s time we tell them, “You don’t have
to pray; you don’t have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don’t have to believe
in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor
your right; but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away.
We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN!”
God bless us one and all…Especially those who denounce Him, God bless America and
Canada , despite all our faults, We are still the greatest nation of all.
God bless our service men and women who are fighting to protect our right to pray
and worship God.
Let’s make 2011 the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the
foundation of our families and institutions. And our military forces come home from
all the wars.
Design Questionnaire
Add Me On Flickr
Add Me On deviantart
Chat On Aim jdhuff86