DeWayne's World

Frederick Buechner on Jobs

2012-01-30T06:21:00.001-08:00

It's Monday morning, much of the world goes back to work, and I found this timely reading in Beyond Words, a collection of the writings of Frederick Buechner:

Jobs are what people do for a living, many of them eight hours a day, five days a week, minus vacations, for most of their lives. It is tragic to think how few of them have their hearts in it. They work mainly for the purpose of making money enough to enjoy their moments of not working.

If not working is the chief pleasure they have, you wonder if they wouldn't do better just to devote themselves to that from the start. They would probably end up in breadlines or begging, but even so, the chances are they would be happier than they would be pulling down a good salary as a bank teller or a dental technician or a supermarket bagger and hating every minute of it.

"What do people gain from all the toil at which they toil under the sun?" asks the Preacher (Ecclesiastes 1:3). if people are in it only for the money, the money is all they gain, and when they finally retire, they may well ask themselves if it was worth giving most of their lives for. If they're doing it for its own sake—if they enjoy doing it and the world needs it done—it may very possibly help to gain them their own souls.

Why do I share this? Because I think we sometimes need a good reminder that we are not just going through the motions and accomplishing nothing, but there is a larger purpose in what we do. I have friends whose careers run the spectrum of the job industry and sometimes we are all guilty of placing ourselves on autopilot, waiting for a few days off, spring break, summer vacation, retirement, etc. What can be done today?

Revisit the reason you are working in the first place. Rediscover that young, zealous, fresh-out-of-gate interviewee who desperately needed and wanted the job in the first place.

Missing Snow

2012-01-29T17:53:00.001-08:00

I wish we'd get a really good snow like this again. Now we have an actual sled instead of a box with her baby bath. :-)

I'm Not Giving Up

2012-01-26T06:26:00.000-08:00

It's been retro week on Facebook, so I've been reminded of the baby-faced high school senior DeWayne, who stares at me in my profile picture. It was more than twenty years ago and the world has changed, but so many things are the same. Inspired by a friend's post on Facebook thanking God how his mindset has broadened through those years, I began to contemplate and thank God for how mine hasn't.

I accepted by faith the promise of a God who sent His son for me, who would never ascend to anything worthwhile without Divine intervention. While through the years, my faith and love for people have been stretched, I believe we are all God's children stained by a fallen human condition we can't cure on our own. I believed in sin back then, when it was popular, and I still believe in it now, when it's not so much. It separates us from God and puts us on a course for destruction.

I'm less judgmental than what I used to be, but I don't think it's the taboo many consider it to be. Because God is a God of love and of judgment. We shall all give account for the good and bad we have done. Without salvation through Jesus Christ alone and putting on His holiness, none shall see God. That's what I believe. And if it somehow shocks you, then perhaps you didn't know me or the fundamentals of Christianity as well as you thought.

I love reconnecting with people and I'd love for everything to be all crackerjacks and sunshine. But I don't need friendships bad enough to compromise or water down the faith that I committed to even farther back than high school. I owe it not only to God but also to that little chubby kid who stepped forward, to the ones who pioneered this road, and to my children and their children that I will endure to the end. I will run this course and I will finish this race well.

I am not going to give up. I am not going to water down. I am not going to sidestep. I am not going to be intimidated. I am not going to become "enlightened" by or enamored with anything on this earth to the point of forgetting who I really am—a child of the most high God whose life was purchased by the blood of His precious Son.

I am going to run. I am going to I am going to press on with everything I've got. I am not only going to see the angels escorting me to the gates of heaven; I am going to hear the words, "Well done thou good and faithful servant" spoken from the lips of my heavenly Father.

"...The life you see me living is not 'mine,' but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that."- Galatians 19:20 (The Message)

News Doesn't Get Much Bigger Than This

2012-01-17T18:14:00.000-08:00

When I crawled out of bed this morning, I had no idea this day would be such a defining point in our lives. I knew I had an early morning meeting lined up at work that would go through lunch and after that, I'd take LeAnn and Natalie to a doctor visit. The details of the appointment had been kept under wraps from most everyone, especially the internet. While we pretty much knew what the doctor would tell us, we were still surprised and unprepared to discover . . .

WE'RE HAVING TWINS! Actually, I should give LeAnn the majority credit since she's the one carrying them. Our doctor conducted an ultrasound while I was holding Natalie, who was playing on LeAnn's cell phone. He said something to the effect of "there are two" but it just didn't register with me. Then I looked up and said, "What did you say?" He said, "There are two of them." I said, "Are you kidding?" I asked that because I have had a doctor who once showed up with my report saying "Oh this is bad" before he laughed and said he was joking. So I don't put it past even the doctors to joke.

Since I've been such a prankster in the past (think "The Boy Who Cried Wolf"), several have asked me if I was kidding about this. No joke. No lie. We are having twins. LeAnn is six weeks pregnant and with that in mind, we're thinking the dynamic duo might make its appearance around mid-to-late August or September.

Naturally, we were shocked today. Both of us admitted to feeling a bit 'numb.' I think perhaps we have a tendency to figure out every detail of how our new lives will play out. Sometimes we want God to reveal all of the details of our journey and yet He doesn't, because he's getting us ready. For us, He probably figured "they're as ready as they're ever going to be."

A few weeks ago, we celebrated Natalie's second birthday. I can honestly say and I'm sure LeAnn will agree that these two years have been the best years of our lives. Our baby is so kind, fun-loving, funny, sweet, smart and gorgeous. She loves to laugh and entertain (and people accuse us of putting drugs in her apple juice to keep her calm). Every day is a grand, glorious adventure.

The next chapter of our adventure is beginning. On the monitor today, I saw two tiny little heartbeats signaling a new path. Those heartbeats represent two more glorious additions to our family. I can't wait to pour my love on them like I do LeAnn and Natalie. Good is good and faithful. We are so blessed.

We're going to need diapers. :-)

Merry Christmas! LeAnn sings "O Holy Night"

2011-12-20T07:12:00.001-08:00

Our Christmas Card

2011-12-04T14:42:00.001-08:00

I captured this image this morning and then promptly went to Shutterfly to order our 2011 Christmas cards. We are so blessed with this precious little girl.

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Analyzing Katy Perry

2011-11-10T10:38:00.001-08:00

As most of you who read this blog know, I interviewed a young Katy Perry (read the interview) many years ago. Because of that brief meeting, last January, a writer working on a biography contacted me for some perspective on her early years. I gave some opinions, but declined to speak with too much authority on the subject. Today, I realized that book has released (see it on Amazon here) on Omnibus Press, so I downloaded the Kindle version to check my comments. Here's one in response to a question of how I felt about her transitioning from a Christian artist. I'm glad it made it into the final book.

"When she hit mainstream, I was torn in my feelings in that I was proud she was having success, but sad that the gospel music industry lost such a promising talent. I also hated that a voice like hers that could have continued to provide encouragement to Christian teens trying to live counter-culturally had now become a voice of the culture they're trying to escape."

Amy Grant: the Early Years Interview

2011-11-10T05:47:00.001-08:00

For those who know me, Amy Granthas always been a favorite, first inspiring my love ofChristian music, which in turn provided a career path as a music journalist. Asone industry insider told me, most of us currently in the industry can trace our paths back to her.

InDecember 2004, I had my second interview with Amy, this time gatheringinformation for a 50^th Anniversary retrospective of the magazine Iwas writing for, Christian Retailing.I could only include a few quotes in the magazine; however, the entireinterview was a delight for me, especially hearing the behind-the-scenesdecisions of the first CCM album I bought. I hope you enjoy reading it.

A lot of people take credit for discovering you. I’m not sure exactlyhow you got started so could you give me a brief recap of the events leading toyour first signing?

I started writings songs when Iwas 15. I have three older sisters and there were always people coming to thehouse. This one summer, these people came in that went to this hippie church inNashville on music row. Every Saturday night, we’d go to the coffee shop onMusic Row and hear a band called Dogwood. That was 1975. I was inspired tostart writing songs myself. One of the guys I had met at the church was calledBrown Bannister. At the time he wasn’t a producer; he was taking a class inproduction at Belmont College. He had a job at a recording studio and said, “LookAmy, I have free time at a recording studio.” I went into the studio withanother friend and did about a dozen songs. I just did it for my parents. Brownsaid, “You ought to make some copies.” While he was making copies, a guy namedChris Christian walked in. Chris had just gotten a call from a record companyin California. Chris said ‘I know Amy.’ (He had dated my older sister.) Hecalled Word Records and asked, “Can I have the go ahead to sign her?” They said“Yeah.” The guy at the record company was a fellow named Buddy Huie.

You’re credited for a lot of firsts, including the most mainstreamexposure for gospel music when “Find A Way’ hit on the radio. Who was thearchitect of the Unguarded album andwhat were your feelings going into it? Did you know how drastically it wouldchange things for you?

I felt like any song with aspiritual message had a greater impact if it were heard around a lot of songsabout regular life. I just feel like if every song talks about Jesus, I feellike I don’t have any credibility as a human being. You start being the samemessage. I had a lot of really serious conversations with Dan Johnson. “I havegot to broaden my musical base. I need a bigger context in which to sing songsabout spiritual life.” That continues to be my beef with Christian records.Where’s the guesswork? To me, being the surprise ending or not everything beingtied up in a neat little bow, is great. I made this record and, without myknowing it, Dan Johnson and Stan Moser went to A&M Records. I was 24. Theyapproached them and said, “We have an artist that delivers sales for us.” Bythen, I had a few albums that had gone platinum. “This is not a big risk foryou. We would like to sign a contract with you to distribute her albums on abigger basis. In an attempt to do right by our artist, we want to give her abigger platform.” Word signed a distribution deal with A&M. When it wastime to re-sign, Word and A&M both approached me. David Anderlee was the headof A&R. I said, “We work well together.” I signed a simultaneous deal withboth companies, which was unheard of because usually there wasn’t enough “piecesof the pie” to go around. That eventually played itself out and ran it into theground.

Could you share a few of your favorite memories through the years?

Every highlight has to do withpeople that I’ve met. Probably not people you would expect. Yes, I have met alot of people whose work I admire, presidents, other musicians. But the realsurprise has been have been the people who are normal, when they feel attachedto your music, they let down their guard.

I have been involved in Make-a-Wish.They set me up with this girl named Stephanie Ball, who has cerebral palsy. Imet her the first time when she was 13 years-old. She wanted to spend the daywith me. I asked her parents, “Would you strap her into my car and I’ll takeher to the Sonic for a cherry Lime-aid?” I told her, “You should be a writer,you sound like Mark Twain.” I was so awestruck with her mind. Her vocabularywas phenonmenal. I said, “I’m bowled over talking to you.” She responded, “Amy,I’m normal on the inside.” I kind of get a lump in my throat right now. Thatforever changed how I looked to a person with a handicap. She went to college. Iwent skiing with her family two years ago. I spoke at her high schoolgraduation.

Another was when Vince and Ifirst moved into the house we live in now, we were surrounded by moving boxesand pads of paper. I was pregnant with Corrina. It was sunset and Vince hadfallen asleep. On top of a pile of papers was an envelope that looked likechild’s writing. I don’t know why I opened it. It said, “My mother is the mostspecial person in the world. She’s turning 89 in a few days. Is there anychance you could call her?” I looked at the calendar and I said, “It’s today! Icant believe it!” Vince woke up, and we were going to go to Belmont to meet thekids. But they all finished early, so our plans changed. I remembered I still hadthat letter. So I asked Vince, “Will you call this woman? Today’s her birthday.”He started calling her but couldn’t get through. In the meantime, I called myoffice and asked, “Will you search this woman’s information and tell me heraddress? What have we got to lose?” Her name was Dorothy Lee Stafford. We starteddriving toward her house and finally got her on the phone. Vince said, “Dorothy,this is Vince Gill, where are you?” She said, “I’m just sitting in my house bymyself. Where are you?” He said, “Sitting outside in your driveway.” We walkedin and she had pictures of Vince all over the house. We spent two hours withher. We heard all about her life story. We were getting ready to leave and thedaughter that had written us this letter came in. She just bawled. The fact is– Vince and I got more out of the visit than anybody.

Dorothy said, “This was the mostspecial birthday of my whole life.” Don’t you just hope with all that’s in youthat that’s how God works? Of all the days to find that letter and then all ofour plans fell through and we wound up in her living room.

Can you talk a little about your observation of the industry as a wholethrough the years? What have been some of the highlights? What have been someof the challenges/growing pains?

I think in the early days, Iwould say Mom and Pop bookstores that tried to provide a sense of community,more relaxed setting than an actual church. Christian music started as such agrassroots industry. There were some towns that had radio but a lot of themdidn’t. It was these Christian Bookstores, coffee houses, that provided theconnection. People came there because they had a sense of community.

I also think churches opening uptheir doors to provide a platform for artists, concert series. If you go play aunion hall in a town, it costs a lot of money for the venue. So much in theearly years of Christian music was done on a volunteer basis. Because the musictouched a vital spiritual need, a lot of people did it for the love in it,thinking there was an eternal purpose. Before it was business, it came out of asense of community. People are so encouraged by music in general, especiallymusic with a spiritual basis. All of that came out of a hippie music festivaltype of thing. People would go and a lot of word of mouth communication.

Times change and life changes.The world that I grew up in, you can’t even find it in the lives of ourchildren. I can sit around and grieve what they deal with everyday or I canjust say it’s a new world. Everybody has access to everything, good and bad.Everybody played the Grand Ole Opry if they were country, because it was 100,000watts Clear Channel. It was the mother church and everybody had to be there.Times have changed. It’s just growing and changing into what it is now. Now thebiggest Christian bookstores aren’t owned independently, they’re chains.People’s lives are lot busier. Everybody’s accessible all the time. You cant’wander into a place and sit around and talk for 2 hours. Five minutes into it,you’re getting a call on your cell phone saying “Don’t forget to pick up themilk.” I’m not bemoaning that.

I think the great thing right nowis that young Christian artists and a lot of them are not signing with a bigcompany. They would rather do independent records, sell their music through theinternet. They can maintain a certain quality of life, make enough money to paythe bills and do music. Communicate a message through the songs they write. Theera of a few people getting a whole lot of promotion is now giving way to a lotmore bands getting a chance. That might be a return to how it used to be, moreabout word of mouth. Discover artists on your own instead of being forced downyour throat.

Also check out the blog - Amy Grant to Release New Project; Previews Songs

Sharing My Joy

2011-11-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

I spent some time this morning poring through old blogs trying to find an article concept that I've worked on. I once again realized that I need to blog more often. What has been keeping me regular with blog posts? The tools I have now, like dictation software, smart phones and tablets, are so easy and should make it so I could do this on a recurring basis. But I don't.

Maybe I think it's because I have a toddler at home and I don't have any time. Maybe it's because I write for living. Whatever the reason, I still need to be blogging because I still enjoy the idea of putting my thoughts down and being able to look back and see what was going through my mind at any given period.

Sometimes I look back and so blogs and think about how brave I was, unrestrained in giving opinion on a subject that would give me pause to write about now. Where did I lose that courage? What happened to it?

I can without a doubt, unquestionably say that I am living in the time of my life. I love it! I have a wonderful wife, have an incredible daughter, the best of friends, a loving family and an awesome local church. I have many great things to be thankful for. I have so much goodness in my life, and every good and perfect gift comes from Him, so I should be telling the world. On the flip side, I probably would take to the blog if I wanted to commisurate my misery. So in times of thankfulness, I need to share it.

New Issue of White Wing Messenger

2011-09-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

Here's the October 2011 issue of the White Wing Messenger. My editorial is on page 31. Read it and let me know what you think.

Open publication - Free publishing - More christian

When your friends are hurting

2011-08-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

I feel so helpless when the people I love are hurting. My natural tendency is to be a problem solver. I want to help and make everything better, but there are things beyond my control. I want to give the right advice, but I'm not sure what is the right thing to say. I want to point the right direction, but I'm not walking in their shoes. I want to help them return to a happier time but I can't.

What I can do is pray. I can be there. I can keep loving. I can remind them of a time when "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Rev. 21:4). God himself, not his angels, will wipe away the tears from your eyes.

And you shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Kid-Unfriendly Restaurants & Airlines?

2011-08-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

Kids or no kids? As one eatery made headlines this week for barring small children, media attention turned to what they guessed might be a growing trend of restaurants and airlines going "adults-only." I read about it first on Jim Daly's Finding Home blog, which brought up questions but didn't seem to come down too hard on the rules. Daly did ask the question, however, if it signaled a "growing intolerance toward children."

Three years ago, this wouldn't bother me at all. The funny thing is, it still doesn't. As long as it's not rampant, I can see benefit in places where adults can have a quiet time. I've always assumed that children were banned from first class on an airline, but one of these articles points out it's new and not standard. I can see the logic in preserving a quiet atmosphere for those travelers who've paid extra for seats of luxury.

Perhaps this doesn't concern LeAnn and I so much because, with our first child, we are a little more sensitive to our daughter bothering other people. We'd rather pass out earplugs or stay home than get those dirty looks. LeAnn fretted flying with Natalie on several of the trips we've been on and only one turned out as bad as we feared. Even then, when we thought the rest of the passengers were going to throw us out the door, a lady disembarking the place remarked that she was surprised there was a baby there - "I sure didn't hear her." What a nice, sweet, hard-of-hearing old woman. :-)

But, of course, there are parents who think their kids don't ever bother anyone. At the "adults only" jacuzzi at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando, a family jumped in. "You all don't mind if our son's here, do you? He's mature for 12 years-old." I saw the same thing on the Carnival cruise a few years ago, where 80% of the swimming areas were open to kids. That wasn't good enough for one mom who stood guard while her kids frolicked in an otherwise-quiet jacuzzi. Disclaimer: I do love kids. But I'm a rules person, too.

I think a business has the choice to market itself how it wishes. The end consumers will dictate the response to this trend. People will vote with their money. There will always be businesses catering to families and ones that do not. You don't go to McDonald's for a quiet dinner and you don't take your restless kids to Ruth's Chris steakhouse.

What do you think? Are you offended by the idea of a restaurant or airline that doesn't roll out the red carpet for your kids? Or do you welcome the idea that you have a quiet place to go to for a date night?

Brush with villainy (an encounter in an elevator)

2011-08-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

Nothing could have prepared me for that moment. I found myself face to face with the imposing villain. He stood several feet above me, staring into the very eyes that had witnessed the worst he had to offer—shooting, killing, maiming all those who stood in his way. I couldn't question his identity; I was positive it was him, even without his namesake feature.

The elevator doors closed, removing any chance of escape. I stared at him, noting his distinctive yet aged face hovering near the ceiling. Whatever tension filled the chamber, I ventured to shatter by speaking first.

"You're Richard, aren't you?" He had no choice but to admit it. He knew I knew and he was trapped. The tables had turned. My anxiety suppressed, the hunter had become my target. He nodded . . . and smiled?

His enormous hand quickly enveloped mine. The giant, whose anger I'd seen unleashed countless times, was surprisingly cordial. Gone were the days of rooftop gunfights, sky-high grand escapes and frightening molars; this was not the same man I'd seen. He spoke in a friendly manner, asking where I'd come from and how my day had gone.

The elevator doors opened and we said goodbye. Satisfied, I had succeeded where so many had failed. I shared a moment with "Jaws" and lived to tell.

Kristin Chenoweth Interview on "As I Am"

2011-08-02T18:15:00.000-07:00

This was not one of the awkward interviews I mentioned in a previous entry. Oddly enough, I only discovered the acting/musical superstar Kristin Chenoweth after this interview, which was conducted in February 2005. She wasreleasing a gospel album, As I Am, and I was presented the opportunity to speak to her.The publicist told me she'd become famousfor a role in Wicked, a musical about the Wicked Witch. At that time, I'd never heard of the musical, either. But I knew plenty of friends who loved her in the West Wing.

She was a total sweetheart whenwe spoke, often referring to me as “hon.” I loved her down-home attitude and friendliness and quicklydiscovered who she was, renting “The Music Man,” watching Studio 60 on theSunset Strip (one character was modeled after her), and seeing R.V. andBewitched. Since then, she’s become more and more popular and this interviewhas continued to be one of my favorites.

So I’ve been told you’ve beensick. Are you getting better?

I don’t know what’s going onaround the West Wing cast. Everybody on the set is sick. I don’t get to rest.On Wednesday I was feeling so poor, but I worked about 17 hours that day.Today, I’m about half a day in.

I’m very lucky in that I get todo a lot of stuff. My album is a priority, West Wing is a priority, I’ve justdone a couple movies and I’m getting ready to do a couple more. Whatever isimportant that day is what I focus on. I just have to constantly be adaptable.Two weeks ago, I was singing at Carnegie Hall. You just have to switch modes.

How do you manage it all?

My manager helps me out a lotwith my schedule. Coming from Broadway, it’s not for wimps, I’m pretty hard onmyself and I keep myself on schedule. I have an assistant who helps. I pray alot. I do a lot of praying that I’m not missing something.

Are you still doing musicals?

I left Wicked in July. It was agreat experience. I loved it. There are a couple of things in development. Ihave ample opportunity. I will always go back to Broadway.

I just finished Bewitched andPink Panther. They were amazing experiences. I got to play opposite SteveMartin and Nicole Kidman. It doesn’t get better than that. As an actor orsinger, you want to keep it changing and not be pigeon-holed. Both parts arevery different and it’s different from West Wing. That’s rewarding as anartist.

I think Sally Field has had agood career. I think she’s been smart in what she’s chosen to do. I reallyrespect Patricia Heaton, just an example of someone who’s worked really hardand hit it at the right time. Julie Andrews, she does it all. She’s a singer.She’s done Broadway. She’s my favorite performer. I do really enjoy her music.

What are your highlights from AsI Am?

Growing up in Oklahoma, countrymusic was an important part of my life. It wasn’t til college and my voiceteacher opened up my voice and help me train it. For me, “It Will Be Me” is asong that, even though Faith Hill did it, it’s something that I hope I can be formy friends and family. It has a country flair, and that’s how I grew upsinging. Definitely “The Song Remembers When.” Of course, Sandy Patti was aninfluence on my life. It shows the more operatic, gospel-y type. It’s fun,because (the album) shows a variety of what I can do. I just got lucky becauseI got an Amy Grant song on there. I grew up singing. I remember my aunt singing“Poor Wayfaring Stranger.” “Abide In Me” and “Borrowed Angels” are new. Thoseare songs that touched me when I first heard them. The rest are songs that havebeen in my past.

My first album was definitelyBroadway and this album is totally different for most of my fans. I wanted todo it after 9/11 because I wanted to have a spiritual record out there.Integrity asked if I wanted to do this, and I said heck yes, I wanted to do ittwo years ago. This is more a blessing for me than anyone. I grew up wanting tobe a Christian singer. My path ended up changing but this is still who I am.

I was in New York when (September 11) happened. I saw first hand how it affected me, and even people who weren’t believers. Ifelt at that point, people wanted hope. They wanted something to grab onto,they wanted something to believe. That’s what struck me. I want to do this.Sony Classical, this wouldn’t normally be their thing. I’m lucky because I havepeople who believe in me. When Integrity came on board, it just was a Godthing. Now is the right time for this to happen.

And you’re appearing at Women ofFaith?

I’m really excited about thatbecause it’s something that I’ve always heard about. It was great because whenI talked to ladies on the phone, I told them “I have a lot of Jewish friends, Ihave a lot of gay friends, I have a lot of friends who don’t believe in mylife. But I certainly would like to do this.” I just wanted to go to the Womenof Faith, to go and be blessed myself. I have a certain fan base, but this hasalso given me an opportunity but this is giving me a new audience. This issomething that’s like a lifelong dream for me. It’s kind of going to feel likea homecoming. Now I do concert work. I’ll be doing LA opera, Paris opera, I’llbe doing the met. This is yet another aspect of my life.

Would you do another gospelalbum?

I’d love to do another projectlike this. I have a bunch of songs that I wrote when I was little. I’d like totake those out and polish them up and do some original stuff. Certainly I’dlike to see how this goes over. It does matter but it doesn’t matter. It’s outof my hands. I know it’s what God wants me to do.

What’s next?

There’s an animated movie forDisney and that’s huge for me. I’m going to get to sing in that. I recently gota movie with Emma Thompson and Annette Benning. Then I have concerts. Then I goon tour with Domingo. I really wanted to stay away from the classical sound.

The GRAMMYS are coming up. Haveyou been?

I have. Joshua Bell, myex-boyfriend was nominated. I love it, because there’s so many singers,spiritual and gospel and Christian singers. These are amazing voices. I wassinging at the White House. Yolanda Adams was there. She was unbelievable.

As we ended the interview, wespoke about equity and non-equity traveling Broadway shows, her hometown ofBroken Arrow, Oklahoma and even the Christian singer, Carman, who filmed amovie there. She said she’d like to see it, gave me her agent’s address and Isent her the movie. She also mentioned she’d be coming soon to Atlanta andasked what spots she needed to see. Perhaps if I were thinking more clearly, I would have offered to show her around. She certainly seems like a person you'd easily become friends with.

Awkward interviews

2011-07-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

If I had to guess, I'd say I've done more than 500 interviews through my 20 years a journalist. That's a conservative estimate. These conversations have been, almost without exception, a wonderful chance to connect with an author or artist regarding their production. Fun, exciting, personal; they are wonderful memories! But . . . there are a few moments through the years that, try as I might, I can't forget. They go down in the Awkward Moments Hall of Fame. Sometimes it's me; sometimes it's them. If I could only turn back time . . .

Mistaken Identities—I know my stuff. I don't mistake artists. However, because I love humor and "breaking the ice," I love to pretend to mistake identities. The first time I did this wasn't an interview, but a chance meeting with a singer who I credited with singing "When a Man Loves a Woman." It was a funny moment then, but not so much when I pretended to mistake one new girls' vocal group for Point of Grace or another raspy voiced rock singer for Jeremy Camp. The unnamed artists weren't amused. I wouldn't do that again. Not everyone likes that joke.

Unfunny Jokes—Sometimes I get nervous and use humor to clear the air. Note to self: if you're not a part of the singer or author's church denomination or group, don't make a joke about it. If you get along well with a young female singer who's super friendly, don't use an offhand "Dumb and Dumber" reference ("I like it a LOT") when she asks you if you like her new studio pictures. Live and learn, DeWayne.

Burning Down the House—One of the upstart record companies put together a trendy decorative candlelit table for my interview with their new artist. When I first sat down, something accidentally hit the candle and began burning. No fault of my own, but the new artist didn't make that clear to the company and they looked at me like I was an arsonist.

Times a' Wastin'—It's horrible to be late for an interview and I've done that a few times. One singer known for an upbeat attitude and sense of humor gave me the stare down during an interview I arrived late for. "Everyone thinks I'm funny all the time and I'm not." No kidding . . . literally. I've faced a few latecomers myself and almost always keep it in stride. But one time, I waited for a young female singer to finish sound check. I sat there for 20 minutes (interview times were in 30 minute increments). She called from the stage, "don't hate me! don't judge me!" When she finally finished, the first words out of her mouth were, "I don't have a lot of time for this interview."

If you're a journalist, what's the most awkward moment you've experienced?

A Late Night Bigfoot Scare

2011-07-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

I may have posted this before, but now there are ads on the video, so watch it again. It's funny and it's only 30 seconds. :-) Share it with your friends!

DeWayne's Believe it or Not

2011-06-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

Fishermen are often accused of telling the story of "the one that got away." It's the fish tale that gets bigger and bigger every time the story is told. By the time it lands on the latest ears, listeners seriously wonder if the entire thing was completely made up.

I have my own share of such stories. When I relate these memories, I get those looks like "I'm not buying it." Are they true? Read a few of these and decide for yourself.

-All-you-can-eat Waffle House—It's the place most wives refuse to cave in to, a true greasy-spoon guilty pleasure. In my younger days, it was the only spot you could turn to for food after 11 pm. Now, those fond memories and the cheese eggs bring me back for more. Once and only once, on our way to the youth convention, my friend Greg and I happened upon a Waffle House doing a $6-8 special. All-you-can-eat, made to order. I don't know if the freezer broke down or if God was simply smiling on us that day. You order breakfast, finish, and then order a cheeseburger if you want. I don't know how or why, but it happened. We would have been on time for the session, but when we saw the sign, we both said, "we're going to be late tonight."

-Sinking in Quicksand—As a kid, I traveled with my Mom and Dad to Canton, Georgia, where Dad was working on some bridges. He had to do something with them, so I killed time by exploring the area. I went to a creek, walked in and starting sinking. Within a minute, mud was up to my calves, so I kept walking. Only by walking was I able to keep from sinking farther. When I met back up with Dad, he asked where I'd been and I said the creek. He said, "that creek has quicksand!" It wasn't jungle quicksand, but quicksand nonetheless.

-Dorito Nacho Cheese Ball—Don't you just love the nacho cheese Doritos? And you just can't hardly get enough of that addictive cheese, right? Once I discovered a 3" ball of pure partially-dried nacho cheese in my bag. It was a clump that made it through quality control somehow. No way did I complain, though. It was like eating one of those cheese balls they have at parties and wedding receptions. Yum!

-A True Urban Legend—You may have a "friend of a friend" that this happened to, but I saw it reported on the Atlanta news station. The anchor was telling about a local woman who had killed a cockroach and throw it into the toilet. It began moving, so she sprayed all the bug spray or cleaner she could find. When her husband came home, he was smoking and decided to use the toilet. As he was using the bathroom, he dropped his cigarette into the toilet and it exploded, burning him. The anchor went on to report that when paramedics were taking him out, one began laughing so hard about the story that he dropped the man's stretcher and broke the man's pelvic bone.

My Sister-in-law and Father-in-law rock their wedding dance

2011-04-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Doing For One: Thoughts on Andy Stanley's message

2011-03-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

Most Christian readers seem to know and listen to Andy Stanley, founder of Catalyst and Northpoint Church, now, but I can actually say my history listening to him goes a little farther than the norm. As a teenager in Marietta, I attended Metro Bible Study, a nondenominational weekly event. Andy was one of the featured speakers. One of his messages, “My Yoke Is Easy,” struck such a chord with me that it gave me definition to some of my high school experience.

This morning, I listened to his latest leadership podcast, “Do For One.” The basic premise is that our leadership is sometimes paralyzed by the idea that since we can’t “do for all, we do for no one.” We’re afraid to pour extra effort into one individual or cause, in fear of coming under fire from the others. However, Andy said, doing for one will keep your heart soft and display your compassion to others.

Andy didn’t just come up with this concept out of the blue. Christ modeled it, most notably with the man at the pool of Bethesda. He asked the man if he wanted to be healed and instead of instantly healing him, gave him instructions for his healing. No doubt there were others around, but it doesn’t say Jesus did for all.

I admit that I have been afraid to “do for one” through the years. Being in leadership roles, especially in regard to youth ministry, presents a dilemma whether or not to go to the extra mile for someone. When you do pour a little extra into someone, you feel like you have to keep your reasoning ready in your back pocket in case someone questions your actions.

For the most part, I’ve been a cut-and-dried consistency-is-everything rules man. As Andy said, this has somewhat paralyzed my actions, in the same way some might intimidate themselves into withdrawing from causes that seem too big to tackle. Thanks for your thoughts today, Andy. I’m determined move past hesitation and anxiety into action.

Life is Beautiful

2011-03-19T20:08:00.001-07:00

It’s late. I’m sitting here in a familiar surrounding—the living room of the house I purchased more than five years ago. I spent many nights here in this room before bed, watching television and contemplating my future. Tonight that future has become my present.

Five years ago, I wouldn’t have guessed that baby dolls and toys would decorate the floor. Although I feel like I’m naturally optimistic, this moment has turned out better than I could have ever hoped for. I’m married to the most kind and beautiful woman I’ve ever met and our daughter is pure sunshine and joy. I’m supported and encouraged in a career that allows me to use my talents to held spread the message of Christ.

My life is not a series of making the right choices and always doing the right thing, because quite honestly, I’m not smart enough. It’s the grace of God that has guided my steps and I am so grateful.

Life is beautiful.

Tweeting to Learn

2011-03-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

Article I did for the March issue of Charisma Magazine on social media and higher education. Check it out: Tweeting to Learn

Katy Perry (Hudson) Interview

2011-01-27T06:11:00.000-08:00

Out of any of the crossover artists that came from Christian music, Katy Perry is, for the moment, the most popular. What keeps most people from making the Christian music connection, however, was that she didn't have a huge amount of success in the market, even though that debut album won rave reviews from critics. As part of our annual pilgrimage to Gospel Music Week in Nashville, I interviewed her when she was 16 years-old. This week I was contacted by a journalist looking for insight on her beginnings, so it made me dig out the old interview. It's short (I think we met for about 20 minutes). I thought some of you would be interested in reading it, so here it is: Katy Perry (Katy Hudson then) at sixteen.

It’s refreshing to be a suite. We’ve been out in public doing interviews . .

Well we want to refresh you. We dont’ want this to be the every "Average Joe" interview. We want this to be new, exciting, SPECIAL.

I listened to your CD last week. It’s really good. When they said it was a sixteen year old . . .

You were thinking, I know what you were thinking! You’re bad, you’re really mean! (louder) You’re really mean!

No, not that I don’t like that, because I do! I like pop music

(singing) I like pop music!

But it’s ROCK! (to a friend) She’s got a real deep soulful voice.

Well, it’s different! We’ve got things from the Beatles, Fiona Apple, Jennifer Knapp! This is like a melting pot of different things! It’s not exactly Debbie Gibson or Tiffany!

If you listen to the CD, you’d be shocked at how young she is!

Thank you!

Not that that’s an insult or anything.

Well, I made the CD when I was fifteen!

And you’re sixteen now! (yeah) And you wrote all the songs? (yeah!) That’s impressive. One you wrote in eighth grade.

How’d you know that?

I know things!

(laughs) I’m impressed! It’s really important that I write. I think that somebody out there would like to see the views of a sixteen year old or be in my shoes at least

And be a Christian . . .

Yeah! and to love God, basically! I think it would tickle somebody’s ear. What was I going to say? I think its super important that I write, because you have all these people who are my age in the industry that are saying, “I have lots to say and I’m really here for some reason, I’m saying a lot.” Well if you do have lots to say, write it! I mean, the least you can do is write it down on paper, get it out there some way. And I understand that record labels don’t necessarily like things. I really do respect singer/songwriters, because it’s original! It’s not a copy!

It comes straight from your heart

Right! I think even as us int he Christian industry, we should always be pushing the envelope, trying to be something a litle bit better than the mainstream is! We shouldn't be influenced by them, they should be influenced by us! I mean, come on! The whole time we’re influenced by them, we’re so far behind that the average person’s ear doesn’t even want to listen to it. I think we’re worth more than that, because obviously they’re not serving God, they’re not in it for the same motives that we’re in, they’re in it for the same motives that we’re in. They’re in it for something totally different, whatever reason they may be in it for, and we have the ultimate Creator. I mean, look around, dude! I live on the coast, Santa Barbara, California. I live five minutes from the ocean, I get inspired everytime I go out there. We ought to be the best at what we do. Not second, but the best. God is our God! I go off sometimes . . .

Well, go off!

Don’t make me start! Dont’ make me start!

I am homeschooled. I am going to be going to a junior college, I’ve been moved back for two months and it’s insane. I really wish I could go to high school. I went there for a semester and I loved it! I just think well you know, I have to sacrifice some things. And everyone’s thinking, “oh, she has to sacrifice working and school, pity pity pity, I’m going to cry a little river for you!”

Well there’s the social aspect . . .

Yeah, but two, its just that I always want to keep my brain on and keep learning. I’m going to have kids one day and they’re going to need to know something other than music.

How involved are your parents in the music?

Totally involved! Mom was actually the first one to get me involved in this. Threw me off the edge because she’s like a total stage mom! Then I came back and realized this is what I want to do, not what my parents want to do. It’s likewise with my faith, forever with my parents. I just adopted it as my own. And basically I’ve adopted my music as my own. Sure my mom would take me when i was eleven or so and we’d do weekend churches. I didnt’ want to be there because I wanted to be eleven. I wanted to be what you do at eleven. But then i saw how affected and touched people. Then when i turned thirteen, I just got really focused. I just thought now I’m going to start writing. I’m going to start doing what i’m going to be doing. umm, I always lose my train of thought . . .

Me too.

But they are very involved! They tell me to “just go wherever you can go!”My mom comes when she can, but my dad pastors so she has to be be there. I do keep people around who are good, solid accountability to me. I’m very particular about what I receive from people, I don’t listen to everybody. i listen to a few key people. Too many influences on you, you don’t know what to do. It’s like making the record, that was hard. Everyone was like, “Be that way” and I was like “God, just help me to know what I want to be!” Sure, you can always sit and listen to what people have to say, but most of it is bad for your ear.

Daddy falls in the snow

2011-01-10T14:07:00.000-08:00

Hamby Media

2010-06-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

Shameless promotion alert: my wonderful, talented wife LeAnn has launched her PR website, Hamby Media. Please visit her page and, if you know of authors who need help in spreading their message, she'd love to speak with them.

For the past few months, LeAnn has also been doing some trailers for a few fiction titles. Here's her most recent video for the book Goodness Gracious Green by Judy Christie (Abingdon Books).

"I'm through with you..."

2010-06-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

As I drove to work the other morning, a radio commercial came on spotlighting a local restaurant. Being back in this community for a few months, we've already heard friends talking about this hip new lunch spot. At first, they sang its praises, talking about how they'd had several delicious meals there. Then, the service and the food didn't seem so good, so it began to slide down on their collective culinary totem pole. Before LeAnn and I would have had a chance to join the party, they are already poised to move on.

You could have dozens of wonderful experiences but one misfire is what you'll remember. We have a figurative graveyard of businesses, retail shops, and restaurants that once had a good thing going, only to be cut short by a bad experience. I can name mine, and you can name yours. We are less likely to stick with a company through bad experiences nowadays because we don't have to. We have choices. We can easily close the door on them and open the door with another.

While this line of thinking is well and good in the business world, it translates poorly to our personal relationships, even though we continue to try. You attend church with a group of people you love and care for and then one mispoken comment or lack of appreciation sends you to retreat and you vow to never again "darken those doors." A perceived cold-hearted Facebook comment riles your political or moral sensibilities and you click "de-friend," and you're done. A friend's supposed apathy toward you drives you further into isolation, creating a problem where there may not have been.

We don't tend to clean up these messes because we don't have to. We can move on, carrying only bitter memories and feelings. But it shouldn't be that way. In the "love" chapter of 1 Corinthians 13, love is characterized as not being "easily offended." To me, relationship is the key. The closer we are, the more likely we are to overlook "missteps" and believe the best about the other. We shouldn't purposely offend our friends, but on the other hand, the strong bond of love we share means we don't completely shut the door on someone because of a perceived offense. We walk through it, however uncomfortable it may be.

I know....it's easier said than done.

Funny Natalie Video

2010-06-15T08:05:00.001-07:00

Smallville Finale?

2010-05-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

I haven't been watching enough this year but I sure do like this preview of things to come. I think we've spent plenty of time in Clark's pre-Superman days. Wouldn't next season be great with him as a full-time Superman?

Back when I was a kid.....

2010-05-13T05:04:00.000-07:00

I sometimes wondered if I'd ever get a chance to do this but now I will and I'm planning on it. With the arrival of our precious bundle of joy, I'm able to join the ranks of the old-fashioned fathers who lecture their children about how much more advanced the world is since they were kids. Isn't it exciting?

The day will probably go something like this. Natalie will have come home from school stressed about how out-of-date her iPad is compared to the kids in the class or perhaps why her cell phone isn't the latest model. That will be my cue to monologue about the "good ole' days." Here's a preview....

When I was a kid....

-We didn't have Google. We had to use the card catalog at the library and go through microfilm. Or make it up.

-We didn't have DVDs. I was in middle school before anyone I knew had a VCR and in high school before we got ours. Before that, we had to go to the movies and be home when we wanted to watch something.

-We didn't have texting. We passed notes in class, hoping the teacher wouldn't notice and collect it.

-We didn't have cell phones. Okay, maybe the military did, but the rest of us had to be really coordinated at meeting up at places and be home when we were supposed to be home.

-We didn't have 24/7 cartoons. Saturday morning was it and I could hardly sleep some Friday nights in anticipation.

-We didn't have mp3s. We had 8-tracks and records. Cassettes came a little later and finally CDs when I was in college.

What am I missing? What didn't you have when you were a kid?

"Excuse me, I was here before you!"

2010-05-11T06:05:00.000-07:00

During Sunday night's finale of The Amazing Race, the good-guy team were waiting in a line for an airline ticket. Hours later, another team arrived and proceeded to cut in the line, using the excuse that it's a game for a million dollars. The outcome most likely had no effect on the fact that the good guys came in a close second place to the line-cutters but it did cast a little shadow on them even in the midst of the celebration.

If you're like me, the line-cutting was particularly irritating. Because I'm a rules person by nature. I've always thought there should be structure in society, rather than a big mob trying to push and shove their way to the front. Spending so much of our time the past few years in Orlando at theme parks, I noticed many times the slinky line-cutters who are three or four people behind you in line, suddenly they're beside you and then trying to move past you. Even people who whiz by saying "I have friends up front" are suspicious.

We're on guard at the restaurants, too. We make mental notes of the order everyone arrived and if a group gets in to their seats before us and we were here first, someone is going to hear about it. If a group comes to their seats later than us and gets their food first, we're going to say something.

What about when traffic is backed up and you have the emergency-lane drivers who are too important to be bothered to wait like the rest of us? A few times, when I've seen truck drivers block their shortcuts, they became my traffic rules heroes.

At the same time I struggle with those annoyances, I gloss over when I've done the same thing. I've cut lines both secretly and openly. With a hotel key as an "express" pass at Universal Studios, I walked right in front of a stalled line to ride Jurassic Park, got off the ride and walked past those same people again. And loved every minute of it.

I am annoyed by others' disregard for rules but somehow my own free passes don't cause me any concern. I think I read something about that before....

"All a man's ways seem right to him..." (Proverbs 21:2).

Disney Testing New Talking Mickey Mouse

2010-05-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this reported earlier in the week at the Orlando Sentinel and saw this video posted on the Disney blog. It's amazing to see what new tricks the Disney Imagineers are coming up with to enhance the theme park experience. By the time we take Natalie to Disney, will silent meet and greet characters be a thing of the past?

Natalie Laughing Out Loud

2010-04-20T04:13:00.001-07:00

Sad Songs Say So Much

2010-04-12T20:22:00.000-07:00

A movie a preview I saw once unveiled an epic story about friends going through college, life and love, and in a pivotal moment utilized the Beatles' "Hey Jude" to perfection. After that, for days, I was hardly able to the song out of my head or forget the mixed emotion conveyed in the simple opening lines of "don't make it bad, take a sad song and make it better..."

Later, as I watched a rerun of a show, the character walks alone to the tune of R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts" and I thought I'd make a list of some other songs that tug on the heartstrings, some that might even make David Hasselhoff cry.

"Wonderful Now" by Everclear - a sobering picture of divorce through the perspective of a child.
"Hurt" by Johnny Cash - the video is heartbreaking but powerful.
"I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton. Whitney's version sounds optimistic, like an athem of love but Dolly's rings true to the bitter nature of saying goodbye.
"I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt.
"Patches" by Dickie Lee. This is an old old song about star-crossed lovers where the poor girl kills herself. How worse could it get?
"He Stopped Loving Her Today" by George Jones. I'm ashamed to say I only recently really listened to the words of this song and understood what it was talking about.
"Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton. 'Nuff said.
"Goodbye to Love" by the Carpenters. A lonely anthem delivered the wonderfully haunting voice of Karen Carpenter.
"Cat's in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin. The Simpsons have redeemed this song for me in the episode where Homer calls the National Fatherhood Institute and this song is playing over the line while Homer cries.
"Candle in the Wind" by Elton John. Not the Princess Diana version, although that's sad, but the original Norma Jean version really got my attention.
"Cry A River" by Amy Grant. From her Behind the Eyes album where she effectively used her music as an emotional outlet.
"Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler. After combining this song with that black hearse driving by in Beaches, us guys excused ourselves one at a time to the bathroom at Vanessa's house to have ourselves a good squawl.
"This Used to Be My Playground" by Madonna. As A League of Their Own ended with the sweet old ladies waxing nostalgic over their baseball days, my mind raced to future days when I'd long for days gone by.
-"Teddy Bear" by Red Sovine. Most have never heard this trucker story song...but check it out:

Are you crying yet? What are some that I've missed?

I Have Nothing

2010-03-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

Such a long time has passed since I stood fully on my own, apart from my life-changing association with the Son of God that sometimes my mind tends to confuse who really gets the credit for the good things that come from my life. God has made so many of my dreams come true and it's only human nature to turn and trace my steps as some type of winning formula or good personality traits but the fact is, anything good that anyone sees in me comes from Jesus.

Sometimes I hang on to phrases other people send my way like "nice guy" and "big hearted" like they were notes in my 7th grade yearbook from the most popular girl in school. I like to think in some way they describe me ......but they don't - they describe my most earnest yet sub-par attempts to reflect His goodness. Even compliments associated with talents and interests, although greatly appreciated, should really only serve as a reminder of how I would fall embarrassingly short on my own. I have flashes in my mind of what my life would be like without Him and it's truly scary. He truly is the source of everything good in my life.

All my soul needs
Is all Your love to cover me
So all the world will see
I have nothing without You

Take my time here on earth
And let it glorify all that You are worth
For I am nothing, I am nothing, I am nothing without You
Nothing Without You - by Bebo Norman

A few favorite Florida memories....

2010-03-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

Extending Grace To Others

2010-03-23T04:10:00.000-07:00

Who says time heals all wounds? If you really believe it does, think back to ten to twenty years ago, to some of the big disagreements or fights you've had with others. Chances are, unless you made an aggressive effort to forgive, you still remember the sting of the hurt. Even if the sting of the hurt isn't there and you realize how childish it is to harbor ill feelings, you still remember the incident. Someone spoke bad about you, stole something of yours or acted in a selfish or destructive way toward you. You remember it.

I love to tell stories about the past, how much fun I had with my friends and how part of it was reacting to the poor decisions of others. And I think I've got a pretty good outlook on life. Yet I remember things, even vividly. One friend with whom my interactions were completely positive "borrowed" something that didn't belong to them. It was selfish and immature and they got caught. End of story. Twenty years later, I remember it. Even though I think it's all water under the bridge, the fact that it comes to my mind and I use it to consciously or subconsciously characterize that person stands in stark contrast to the grace I have received.

I did so many stupid things growing up. I sometimes refer to those embarrassing moments, some of which will still spontaneously make me blush, as "DeWayne's Hall of Shame." As much as I personally revisit those mistakes, it's even more terrifying to think that someone else took a small nugget, even seconds, of my sometimes immature or misguided 38 years on this earth and freeze me in time in that moment. They don't have the benefit of knowing the rest of my life and my heart to compare it to. They just go around thinking I'm a liar or a cheat or a hypocrite. I don't want that unfair characterization done to me and so I certainly don't need to be doing it to anyone else.

Grace is not 98% pure - it's 100% pure. 98% - that's what others are selling. But God gives 100% transformational grace. And He expects us to model it, even to the point where our own forgiveness hinges on how we forgives others. I can't live with even 2%, 1% or .5% of my ugliness. I need it all washed away.

Baby is Laughing

2010-03-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

If I've ever seen anything this cute, I sure don't remember it.

You Before Me...

2010-03-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

Have you ever driven a vehicle towing a trailer? It's quite an adventure. In my early twenties, when I worked for a youth ministry department, I drove cross country in a big passenger van with a trailer hitched on. I was a little intimidated by it because I had visions of being backed into a parking lot with no way out. I also had even darker worries of veering off a bridge and the trailer acting like an anchor pulling us all down into the water. Every time I got in a position to back it up, my boss had to take the wheel. He knew how to do it. I'd get stuck time and again, but he knew the secret was to steer against your instincts. You want to the trailer to go left but you have to turn right. How does that make sense? Somehow it does.

Our pastor has been sharing a series about 'Love and Marriage,' the kind of sermons I used to be able to automatically assume the 'spectator' role as a single person but now I sit up and soak in (yes, I slept through most of Promise Keepers weekend once). He recently spoke about putting others before yourself, a subject we also discussed in our small group.

We are born to put our own needs first. It's an inborn instinct to look out for number one and, as a baby, that's good for survival, because it is all about you. We don't know the baby is hungry unless she lets us know (and believe me, she lets us know). If she never matured, she would never get to the point of giving, only receiving. At some point, however, we all grow. We all become responsible citizens. And we have to steer against our own instincts to make a relationship work. Everything tells you to guard yourself, make sure you're taken care of. But true contentment comes with not seeking your own contentment.

No big news, except for changing jobs and moving

2010-03-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

So what's new with you? On our end, not much to report besides leaving our jobs and moving back to Tennessee. That's all.

My entire world has totally changed since I made the decision to pursue an opportunity as an editor/writer here in Orlando in 2007. LeAnn and I were in the very early stages of dating and I was moving away. With that huge hurdle before us, we had no idea what that would mean for our future. Now, a little more than two years later, I'm sitting here watching her put our new baby to bed. I am overwhelmed with blessings.

Not only has my personal life changed, but I have had an amazing professional experience as well. In a challenging, shrinking climate for writers and reviewers, I was privileged to hold a position allowing me to pursue my love of publishing with the support and guidance of an incredible boss and friend, Andy. Counting the years I served as a freelance music editor, we worked together for nearly six years. I have truly worked with the best, both inside and outside of our company, including fellow writers and editors, publicists, industry leaders, authors and more.

In the coming weeks, I'll share more about the opportunity that presented itself so clearly I couldn't doubt it was providentially-prepared. I'll still be writing and editing, but from a different office....back in Cleveland, Tennessee (it's east of Chattanooga, for those of you who don't know). My blog will still be active, I'll still Tweet like crazy (hooray, you say) while LeAnn and I introduce Natalie to small town life and our reunited group of friends and family.

More to come! Thanks for your prayers and support.

A Personal God

2010-03-11T05:49:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been going through a hard time and needed someone to talk to? You go to a friend, expecting to at least feel better by getting it off your chest, and sometime during the conversation, you hear, "Well, you think that's bad! Let me tell you . . . " For the next few minutes, you are treated to tales so horrible, you'd think they were made up.

After you're finished with the compassionate conversation with your friend, you trail off, feeling even worse for mentioning your needs in a world of deadly problems. What could have you been thinking? How could you be so selfish? How could your little needs even compare to a sea of heartache?

Sometimes this mentality clouds our view of our relationship with God. I admit that sometimes I've been very hesitant to mention things in prayer because I thought they were too petty or insignificant, and many times they are not petty at all. They are tearing me up inside, like a wild animal trying to escape a trap.

I am extremely grateful for a God who sent His son as a remission for all mankind's sins, to provide help for the many hopeless souls on the earth. I am also thankful that He looks after His people. But I am most perplexed and humbled by the idea that He sees me through the crowd. See, I'm not the kind who struggles with the idea of God being so big - it's harder for me to comprehend He's also so small. He is a personal Savior.

Hebrews 4:15 states that, " . . . we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. . . " Other translations paint the picture a little further . . "to feel for us in our weaknesses" (Wey), "to be touched by the feelings of our feeble flesh" (Bas).

He was walking through the crowds one time when a ruler begged Him to bring His dead daughter back to life. There were people left and right. Voices all around. "Let me ask you a question, these miracles", "Hey, now I was wondering about lunch on Friday," "Remember me from Hebrew school?" So many voices and so many different needs. One woman knew she would be lost in the crowd, drowned out by others. But if she could touch Him, it would provide the strength she needed. For twelve years, her disease had placed her with the undesirables of society. She knew this was the Son of God and she knew He was busy. She needed strength .. not a show, healing .. not hero-worship, power .. not popularity.

Pushing her way through the crowd, she is able to touch a part of his robe, the hem. That was enough. When she did it, time stood still. All the needs, wants, greetings were temporarily halted. Everything turned black and white and the woman stood out in bold color. He felt the power of faith mixed with the anguish of disease. He saw the one lost sheep in the crowd of ninety-nine.

You know the story. Jesus recognized her in that moment and told her that her faith had made her whole. Then He traveled over the ruler's house and had a welcome back party for a young girl whose problems were much worse, in the world's eyes.

The woman had to have felt intimidated by her request. Was it selfish to want it to go away, to have a proper place in society again? Would she be taking time from someone who needed Him worse? Yet she reached out. She didn't make a spectacle but she made the step. And He cared.

I don't know if George C. Hugg thought about that woman when he penned the following lines to a familiar hymn, but it sure seems he did

"There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus/ No, not one! No, not one!/ No one else could heal our soul's diseases/ No, not one! No, not one!/ Jesus knows all about our struggles/ He will guide till the day is done/ There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus/ No, not one! No, not one!"

Thank you, Lord, for being my personal Savior, for knowing the real DeWayne, for leaving the door open to talk, and for being genuinely concerned about what troubles me . . . even the little things.

Princesses Meet

2010-03-10T17:54:00.000-08:00

Mirror, mirror on the wall - there's a new fairest of them all. Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty for you guys) greeted Natalie on Saturday at Epcot.

Songs that remind you

2010-03-08T06:06:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I was driving to work and Whitney Houston's "I'm Your Baby Tonight" came on the radio. It was the first time I'd heard it in years and suddenly I was transported back to a time I was in the car with my good friend Michelle and were singing all the words, even the bridge where Whitney kinda' goes off - "you got the magic...." It was amazing that for a few seconds, I was sitting right back in that car seat, a teenager, laughing and having a great time with a friend who we'd lose in a car accident two months later. To me, she will forever be linked to that song.

Other songs evoke memories, too. Here are a few:

-Mariah Carey & Trey Lorenz "I'll Be There" - I was working at White Water amusement park for the summer when the radio stations were wearing this out. From the opening notes, my co-workers would call for me to pay attention so I could sing along, almost totally in falsetto. Good times.

-Amy Grant "I Will Remember You" - This song came out as I was finishing my second and final year at Tomlinson College. What a fitting song as I was saying goodbye to so many friends and closing that chapter of my life.

-Survivor "Eye of the Tiger" - This was the ultimate song when I was going to skating parties. As soon as we'd get to the rink, me and my friends' main goal to see who could request it first and when it played, it didn't matter if you were winning at "Space Invaders" or "Pac Man" or had just ordered a pretzel with cheese, you dropped everything and got out on the rink. We were too cool for our own good.

I may think of more and add them to this but, in the meantime, what are yours? What songs make you think of specific times and people in your life?

Buck Rogers in the 20th Century

2010-03-06T05:22:00.000-08:00

One of my absolute favorite shows of my childhood was Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. I guess it had the right mix of action,sci-fi and comedy. I even had a few toys based on it. I've often wondered what Gil Gerard and Erin Gray are up to these days - besides sci-fi conventions - and was delighted to see them appearing in this new version of 'Buck' as Buck's parents. This is the beginning of a web series and it looks like it's off to a great start. Kinda reminds me of 'Smallville' for some reason. Enjoy.

Happy baby

2010-03-03T20:22:00.000-08:00

How about a cute baby video tonight?

Spilled Milkshakes

2010-03-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

Back in a simpler time, when children of the 80s were incorporating words like "rad" and "totally" into their brains, heated arguments and disagreements weren't settled with blows or bullets but with milkshakes. As proof, I point you to many fine cinematic efforts like Meatballs and Back to the Future, where nerds were kept in line with pasteurized humiliation.

Going back a few years, we also remember how Rizzo let Kinickie know in no uncertain terms they were through. If you include Slurpees, you can even see Robert Downey Jr and Anthony Michael Hall suffer at the hands of bullies at the mall in Weird Science.

So what happened to this world? When did we decide there were better ways to settle disagreements and pick on nerds? It's not like there's a shortage of milkshakes. I'd venture to say there are more milkshakes now than ever. What if you count cool smoothies and/or ice coffees? The possibilities are endless. You don't have to chew someone out or get your hands dirty, just give 'em a facefull of vanilla!

I know what I'm talking about. I didn't just watch the action -I have my own milkshake story. As a freshman in high school, I too dumped a milkshake on the head of an upperclassman during a lunch period. It was chocolate and I have witnesses. It was a bold move on my part but I'd had enough.......

Alright, I'll confess. I spilled it but not intentionally. I was actually a bit of a klutz and it didn't help any that there was a banana peel on the floor (have you ever actually met a real-life person who really slipped on a banana peel?) I stepped on the outside while the squishy side slid on the floor, I lost my balance, my food tray popped up and my milkshake landed on the guy's head - right on the top of the scalp, like it was planned. He looked almost as if he'd sat under the milkshake dispenser, it was so perfect.

Aware that the next move of this act meant either I was going to get punched or a milkshake in my face, I went into overdrive "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry" waving my hands about. He had mercy on me, probably thinking I was on a different mental level....and I was. :-)

First Impressions

2010-02-28T07:02:00.000-08:00

I met two people today for the first time*, shaking hands, kissing babies (or is it shaking babies and kissing hands?), the whole bit, but these people were already aware of who I was. When I met one, she finished my introduction with my last name and the second person tonight said, "I imagined you'd be six feet tall and bulletproof from what I've heard." Still trying to figure out if that's a good or bad thing.

So it just got to me to thinking about first impressions. I say this with all seriousness but alot of my first impressions turn out to be the real deal. I mean, if a person creates enough of an entrance into my life, immediately I realize whether we'll click or not. And others do the same, believe me. I was told by one of my closest friends how badly I was looked upon when I came to his attention. Thankfully his first impressions aren't so on-the-money.

I've had people who came on way too strong for me to be able to put that aside (think "Cable Guy" or "Single White Female"). There have also been some that I've met, who for some crazy reason have followed an open door of friendship with the liberty of telling me what I need to be doing in life or questioning some decision I'd made.

You almost feel bad when you've put some amount of energy trying to be friendly to someone who's your personality equivalent of the opposing forces of a magnet and then decide to stop the effort. Then I wonder, are we really supposed to be friends with everyone that comes our way? I'm not running for office or selling anything.

What about you? Do you trust your first impressions? Typically, what is your first impression on meeting someone?

How do you create good first impressions?

*This blog is a repost from 2006.

Is Chivalry Dead or On Life Support?

2010-02-26T04:11:00.001-08:00

In the wee hours of the morning, I am at a lab to get some blood work done. I came early to beat the crowd and squeeze it in before work. Great intentions.

The lobby was full when I arrived, giving me fair indication I'd be standing until a person had been called back. I stood for awhile, until a seat opened. A few minutes later, an elderly woman came in. She stood for a moment and I eyed the room of mostly males who were ignoring her like she was selling something.

You already know I gave up my seat or I wouldn't be telling you this. But even after I stood, other seats opened and other men dove after them like a good old-fashioned cake walk game, even though women were standing.

Just now an older woman asked a young teen sitting on the floor if she wanted the open seat. The teen of course didn't need it but she darted in the chair. I'm thinking the woman was only trying to be courteous before resting her own feet.

Is it just me or is something weird about this? Is it a southern thing to give up your seat for an elder? What do you think?

Chasing the Stories 2: When Reporters Attack

2010-02-25T05:52:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I wrote a blog post "Chasing the Stories" about my time as a newspaper reporter (read it here) and I received great feedback and blog traffic so I followed it up with this blog a few days later. My newspaper experience wasn't long but it was memorable.

In the last blog, I got a name wrong. I said Mike but our sports writer's name was Ray. He was a good guy and wasn't in the office every day - I think he bounced around covering other areas. Recently I thought of him as Beck's "Loser" came on the radio, a song Ray sang quite often. "I'm a loser baby, so why don't you kill me?" Ray was also pretty amused that a "good Christian boy" managed to finish his Snoop Dogg song one day, "...with my mind on my money and my money on my mind." Don't ask me how I knew it.

Ray was a nice guy and almost looked like if the Burt Reynolds from the original "Longest Yard" and "Deliverance" had aged naturally with his own hair. He came to work with a stack of snapshots one day of a camping trip he'd taken with some buddies. I saw a few but he was hesitant for the rest and refused to hand them over, fearing somehow I'd be forever tainted. If it was indeed, as I suspected, naked old people, he was right. Thank God for small favors.

I scooped the Atlanta Journal once and that was a good feeling. The mayor's office had put out a press release saying something like the city looking into a public access television station. We ran a front page story picking up on one part of the release playing up the idea of the city doing its own show. Debbie said the AJC reporter called her up and cussed her out over it: "Why the &&@##%;(* did you not tell me this?" Debbie told him it was in the release if he would have actually read it. As someone who didn't get many chances to break news, it felt good, especially since the guy rarely acknowledged me socially.

I'll never forget sitting for morning coffee at Harry's Farmer Market with gentleman from Ethiopia who was training to compete in the Olympic track and field competition. He was a nice guy and I was impressed that he had a picture of him and Bill Clinton (and there was no hot young babe anywhere in sight). A few years ago, I picked up the AJC and saw his name again. He'd been arrested on suspicion of murdering his cousin, who came to this country and backed out of an arranged marriage.

Contacts were key back then and still are. It pays to be able to have a few people you can call on to be the voice of the reader and not be afraid to attach their names to their opinions. It's even better if they're upset. :-) As much as we read about "sources say," I've never been able to get away with that. If someone won't speak up, it doesn't get printed. So I had a favorite new councilman who wasn't afraid to talk. He had a nice way about him and never refused to comment. The mayor would always be available as well, mostly on the record.

I came into the job running fast to catch up and when I left, I was determined to not put the next person in the same boat. I made index cards of contacts (we worked mostly on paper) and personal tidbits on the back sides. I think I've been blessed enough to always want my workplace to succeed after I'm gone, even though it's human nature to want to be missed.

My replacement called me a few weeks after I'd gone and thanked me for the effort put into the files and cards. We shared some laughs and a connection, even though we'd never meet. Like Debbie at the Alpharetta City Hall told me once, "journalists are the best group of people in the world." Even the one that cussed you out, Debbie?:-)

Video: The Baby is Hungry

2010-02-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

This is a video I took with my phone not long after we came home from the hospital. We were getting a bottle ready for Natalie and she kept showing us how hungry she was.

Our Lives Have Been Sufficiently Rocked

2010-01-01T06:22:00.000-08:00

As one of the most chatty, dramatic people you know, it has seemed quite curious that such a life-shaking event such as the late December arrival of our first child Natalie came without a mention on this blog so far. Sure, she's a poster child of Facebook and has been since a few minutes after her birth. But getting the time to sit down and reflect on the events of the past month has been challenging, to say the least.

It's been a great, long ride since LeAnn handed me the children's book The Velveteen Rabbit including a note that said "you are going to be a daddy." We had planned to start a family after a sufficient honeymoon/newlywed period and suspected she might be "with child" the week prior to confirmation. Through the process, I saw my beautiful wife begin assuming this new motherly dimension, a role I always knew she was born to play.

As far as Natalie's arrival, how do I describe that unbelievable experience? As a man halfway into my thirties before a hint of her life came into existence, the absolute shell-shock moment of that beautiful, pale, elongated head crying her way into this world was breathtaking. So surreal. But surely I knew she was coming. LeAnn's belly enlarged and I saw the ultrasounds. It was not a secret or surprise. Everyone had given us advice and I'd lie in bed visualizing what the birth would be like. We had little doubt we would go to the hospital and return home with a baby. And yet the entire thing still rocked my world as if I were the last one to be told.

I've traveled on long journeys before, the kind where you drive so long you forget what time you left home. You see the mile markers that say you're getting closer. You might have information that describes what it will be like once you get there. You know you're on the right road and mentally prepare yourself to arrive. Still, there's a moment when you see it with your own eyes and all the information, advice and expectations just melt away. Nothing could have come close to adequately preparing you for this glorious moment. It's here - she's here - and your world before and after is split in two (I imagine that's kind of what heaven will be like).

Welcome to our world, little miss Natalie. Thanks for bringing us our own little piece of heaven.

Avatar Hits and Misses

2009-12-17T19:19:00.000-08:00

By DeWayne Hamby and Jimmy Stewart

Delivered just in time for Christmas is Avatar, a film unlike any you've seen before. It is so technologically advanced that it feels downright exclusive, like the only one in a new breed of pictures that will revolutionize our viewing experience. Not only will the movie industry be forced to keep up with Avatar, but theme parks are surely scrambling already to figure out how to stay cutting-edge or ahead of the experience it creates.

The visual effects are spellbinding. Trust us, they're like nothing you've ever experienced in a theater before. They are blended near-seamlessly with the live action and delivered for 160 minutes in a sophisticated three-dimensional format that isn't gimmicky, though it provides plenty of entertainment. The 3-D treatment serves like a window into an actual, full-dimension world. At times it seems like you are standing on the edge of the scene as it plays out, or hovering just above it, or even watching from the middle of it as it takes place around you.

read the rest of the review here

Cutting Edge Coke

2009-11-10T14:25:00.001-08:00

I thought this was really cool.

Truth in Advertising....

2009-11-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

January!

2009-10-30T06:59:00.001-07:00

Acting: Make 'Em Laugh

2009-10-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

Some disagree, but one of my favorite things about comedy acting is to see actors struggle through scenes trying not to crack up at each other. These moments are notorious in live shows like like television variety series The Carol Burnett Show and Saturday Night Live as well as in live improv. One of the reasons I enjoy them so much is I don't feel as weird being one that also will spontaneously find something funny and have a hard time forcing myself to regain composure.

During my years as an actor at the Vaudeville Cafe, even though our script was well rehearsed, because of variations in improv and delivery, the opportunity for laughing fits still arose. A few times, the temptation to make my castmates laugh was just too enticing and I went for it.

The main show I did was the Redneck/Italian wedding (it still plays, by the way, and it's fantastic). I spent a year or two playing the Italian groom before having the chance to portray the dimwitted redneck photographer, John. What I loved about playing John is that it gave me opportunity to say pretty much any stupid thing that came into my mind. I joked with the attendees about Waffle House, Alabama, trailers, Wal-Mart, you know the drill. It was Larry the Cable Guy-esque before Larry got popular.

One night, I had the idea to mix up the script and throw something different in. Before I proceed, I'm going to finish this post in invisi-text for two reasons. 1) If you haven't been to the show and would like to, this joke is better performed live and 2) If you're not a fan of bathroom humor. :-) If neither of those apply to you and you want to continue, run your cursor after this and continue the story.

There's a point after the wedding has taken place when the male actors are asked to leave the room because of a wedding shower. The bride gets a few knick knacks, including a toilet brush. One night, I decided to stick around. When they were finished opening the gift, I yelled out "What's that?" and Peggy Lou, my character's mother-in-law angrily responded, "It's a toilet brush, John!" And then I said, "Oh wow, I tried using one of them one time but it hurt me so bad I went back to using paper."

I'll never forget one time in eighth grade when all the boys from my section were gathered for a wrestling match during gym and I threw one of these tough guys around like he was a rag doll and I'll never forget the moment I told this joke. The script stopped in its tracks and the entire audience was laughing while the actors turned their heads. It was a golden moment, perhaps one of the highlights of my life. It fit perfectly with the character and the show.

Months after that joke became a staple of the play, I hit another home run. During the wedding shower, in true shower fashion, the ladies pass the gifts around the room so everyone can "ooh and aaah" over them. Sitting with an audience member in the back of the theater, one of the brushes landed on our table. I took a look at the white toilet brush and noticed the chocolate cake with chocolate icing sitting beside it.

When called to the stage to be interrogated (and on this night to be revealed as the murderer), I carried the white toilet brush, placing snugly back in its holder. The first question the policeman asked me was what the item was I was holding on to. I held it up, pulled it out of its holder and stopped everyone in their tracks again. Thankfully, after the show was over, the only cleanup I had to do was rinsing the icing and cake out of the bristles, not wiping off any customer reactions.

As I mentioned, The Carol Burnett Show had its share of moments. This is one of many such examples:

'Amelia' on Autopilot

2009-10-27T05:56:00.000-07:00

That childlike fascination was what interested me most about the film Amelia, which profiles legendary female pilot Amelia Earhart. Set in the 1930s, it chronicles her journey as the first woman pilot to fly across the Atlantic and details her tragic disappearance attempting to fly around the world (sorry, I just spoiled the ending).

Earhart is portrayed by Oscar-winner Hilary Swank, who really digs into her role, assuming new vocal mannerisms and swagger. Like Meryl Streep in Julie and Julia, Swank is captivating in nearly every scene she's in, which is a plus with a movie centering on her character. Conversely, Richard Gere phones his performance in as George Putnam, her mentor and husband. Ewan McGregor also briefly appears as Gene Vidal, “the other man” in Earhart and Putnam's relationship.

While Amelia isn't a bad movie, it never truly soars. It's not the epic adventure that the legendary Earhart name and the trailers might otherwise suggest. Instead, we get scattered glimpses of her personal life, including liberal views on marriage and fidelity, and a few key historical events. To her credit, Swank ably channels Amelia's resistance to being constrained. Perhaps she too felt confined in a production that seems to be stuck on autopilot.

Should you try online dating like 'Eharmony'?

2009-10-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

As LeAnn and I first began introducing ourselves to people as a couple, the inevitable question of where we met would often come up. At first, we felt a little hesitant to admit we'd met through Eharmony. Years ago, meeting someone through the internet often conjured up a stigma equivalent to randomly collecting personal ads in the newspaper. At some point, however, I realized there was nothing to be ashamed of. LeAnn and I were both in our 30s, not exactly premium time for meeting outside of our own social circles.

Through the years, people have asked me about online dating and I recommend it. It's not a perfect system (none are), but it's definitely something worth considering if you find the current social dating scene intimidating, fruitless or phony. Here are some observations.

Your personality shows through - For whatever reason, for better or worse, face-to-face human interaction carries with it a set of visual expectations. Generations raised on film and television expect their prospective dates to walk through the door with poise, grace and beauty, not tripping over their feet and sniffling or coughing. I felt like online dating bypassed some of those unfair expectations, instead giving us a chance to connect on a personal level before the awkwardness of meeting face to face.

Your values show through - You don't normally start out a date with a manifesto of what you believe and why, because that would just be weird. Through your questionnaire, you pretty much lay it out online and the other person can accept or reject before they ever get to know you. I liked that, because it wasn't awkward then to try and introduce those conversations later.

You control the experience - Sometimes, when you do find someone you're sort of interested in, then it sometimes becomes a waiting game to see when/if you're both on the same page. If they come on too strong, it produces withdrawal on your end and vice versa. In our experience with Eharmony, we sent questions back and forth and could not contact each other any other way (to send a note saying "hey when are you going to finish those questions?"). It can be slow or quick but at least you don't feel the pressure from the other side to fit into their expectations right off the bat.

No pressure - You can end the experience anytime you want. I received an average of 10 matches a day. By reading their profiles, I filtered at least half or more of them by closing out the communication. At this "match stage," you don't know them and they don't know you. You can close out a communication with a list of a reasons, which include "I'm pursuing another match," "I have too much going on in my life right now" (heard that one before? :-) or "I'd rather not say," which I always assumed meant they found me hideous. No problem, though. They don't have your personal email or any way to get in touch with you, so there's going to be no phone call going, "well, WHO do you think YOU are?" Just a nice and pleasant end.

It's private - If you do think you'll get some ridicule from friends about having a profile on a dating site, don't tell them and they'll never know. My profile even went by my lesser-known name, just for an added step of anonymity. Even though I still ran into a person I knew (results not typical), no one else knew I had a profile online. It's not searchable, even if you're a member. Chances are people in your area may not even be matched up with you.

Have you tried online dating? If so, what were your thoughts? What are your hesitations? Do you know people who have success stories?

Dusting the blog off

2009-10-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hi friends, you may have noticed a little more action on this blog lately. I'm going to try and revive it somewhat, using it as a place to share longer thoughts than Facebook or Twitter allow for. Perhaps even sometimes the posts will be more political than either of those, if only for the reason that I try to live more peaceably on those sites. Those of you who know me personally know that I have opinions that I don't always express.

We're also about two months away from our first baby arriving and I imagine there will be some lessons learned as our lives drastically change. Finally, life will continues to offer moments to make me stop and think.

Thanks for listening.

Where the Wild Things (and Brats) Are....

2009-10-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Barely having remembered the book from my childhood, the movie version of Where The Wild Things Are wasn't particularly enticing to me, but I was curious nonetheless. Being criticized more often for being a starry-eyed movie lover than a critic, I wondered how bad it could be. Critics were gushing over it and it has some type of hip soundtrack. Besides, I'd see it at my favorite theater for half price and eat potato skins.

Perhaps the omen of the evening were the potato skins, which looked like normal potato skins but were coated with some sort of invisible burnt sooty fragrance. I bit into the first skin and it was unfit to eat and I returned them from whence they came, only to receive nachos that I didn't expect would be covered with black olives and onions.

Like those wretched potato skins, Where The Wild Things Are, a perfectly delightful children's story, has been baked with some sort of crud that ruined my taste for it. Obviously, the book, if filmed shot for shot, would last around 10-15 minutes (the idea of which brings a smile to my face) instead of 90. So what we get included in the film is a lot of childhood angst in the form of the protaganist, Max. People are not paying enough attention to Max. He's depressed....so he bites his mother and runs away. If you are like me and fearful that his actions will somehow be overlooked or even rewarded, prepare yourself for the ending.

Max has to run away because we have to see the Sigmund and the Sea Monster-type walking stuffed animals. The monsters aren't scary (except when they're pulling each other's arms off their bodies) but roam doing things all monsters do - wallow in depression. Didn't you know all monsters are sad and lonely? Forget Monsters, Inc. These creatures are just as sad and pitiful as poor old Max, perhaps even moreso. If that brat is a breath of fresh air to them, you know it has be positively dreadful on that island. To make matters worse, that hip soundtrack only heightened the sadness.

To be fair, there were some light moments, but even in those times, I felt myself forcing a courtesy laugh, like I have done as I'm being told a joke I've heard a dozen times. Mostly, I kept stopping to ponder if I was actually sitting in the film watching the excruciating, drawn out drama between monster mascots take place, the same questions I've had when watching bad reality TV. When the final credits rolled, my filter was off and I said outloud, probably overhead by my neighboring moviegoers, "Oh, thank God!"

At least I got a half-price ticket.

I Believe What I Believe ('Creed')

2009-10-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

Such a great song. I thought you might enjoy it.

Third Day and Brandon Heath perform Rich Mullins "Creed" in the studio from Garrett Viggers on Vimeo.

Legal questioning and jury selection in Florida

2009-10-14T06:20:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer, I was summoned to jury duty for the first time in my life. As an avid viewer of legal dramas and Judge Judy, my excitement nearly got the best of me. Unfortunately, I had to send my regrets due to an impending out-of-town business-related trip. Much to my surprise, however, I received another golden opportunity last month, which I attended this past Monday.

With only three court visitations in my life, one of which was a high school field trip, I looked forward to the opportunity to see how the system works. After researching the process, I packed up my laptop, a copy of Green Lantern: First Flight (pretty good film to pass the time with) and my iPod and hit the courthouse Monday morning.

For the first hour or so, more than a hundred of us were wrangled into a large waiting area downstairs. I was excited to find the last table seat by an outlet available...until I found out why it was open. The woman sitting beside me was coughing her head off. Deciding between a dead laptop battery and the potential Swine Flu carrier was difficult. I chose germs and so far I'm still feeling okay.

After a while, we were summoned to a courtroom where a judge filled up the jury box and asked questions of the potential jurors. Name, occupation, spouse, spouse occupation, children, children's occupations, dog, dog's occupation. Also, have you ever been in a courtroom before? If so, why? Who won? Do you know anyone in the legal process, besides Matlock? Will that impede your ability to be fair to the defendant? Do you know the defendant? Do you know me? What's my name? How did I get here?

Some of the jurors were asked some pretty tough questions, some that were personal opinions based on their experiences (lawsuits, injuries, etc). But I think I had the toughest question of them all. I braced myself when asked this: "Mr. Hamby, could you describe for this court the typical plot of an episode of The Dukes of Hazzard?"

In all my years of waiting, my first opinion pronounced in a court of law, with prosecutor, defense attorney, defendant and judge all staring at me, I responded, "Bo and Luke Duke were cousins, good guys, who drove a car around. Somehow, Boss Hog and Roscoe would do something bad, change speeding signs or steal money that was intended for a local church and the Duke boys would save the day." Time for cross-examination. The defense attorney followed with, "And what did they do in every episode, Mr. Hamby?" "Well, they would always jump a huge ravine in the General Lee at least once, sometimes more, in each episode. I think it was required, part of the contract."

Although the jury selection process wasn't as grim as an actual trial, this little moment provoked some of the best laughter of the day. I even saw the defendant out of the corner of my eye kick his head back laughing. Perhaps he was daydreaming about Daisy bringing him a cake with a nail file in it. Out of all the questions, I'm glad the Pop Culture expert got the question I did, even though it didn't get me selected. Perhaps next time I'll be a little more serious.

FlashForward: A Review

2009-10-09T06:11:00.000-07:00

What if you were given a peek at yourself six months in the future? Would that visual snapshot bring you hope or sorrow? If you saw impending national or personal tragedy, would you feel incapable of stopping it or remain hopeful that it could change before that day arrived?

In the new ABC drama FlashForward, which premiered Sept. 24 and airs on Thursday nights, a fictional world is grappling with that unlikely scenario. Somehow, everyone in the world blacks out for 2 minutes and 17 seconds and sees dreamlike visions of what life will be like approximately six months later.

FBI Agent Mark Benford (Joseph Fiennes) sees himself investigating a web of clues about the blackout and coming under attack from outside sources. His wife, Olivia (Sonya Walger), however, encounters a troubling vision of the end of their marriage and the addition of a new mystery man.

With the help of the bureau and his boss, Stanford Wedeck (Courtney B. Vance), Benford investigates the mystery and attempts to keep it from happening again. With his wife's revelation hanging over his head, he also attempts to provide hope for his partner, Demetri Noh (John Cho), suspecting that because Demetri did not see a vision his death may be imminent.

read more.

Die Hard, Droids! 'Surrogates' Movie Review

2009-09-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

At what point does technology begin to replace the real human experience? Perhaps I'm the wrong person to ask, being the Facebook junkie, Twitter-holic and Wii Sports lover that I am. In Surrogates, the latest in a long line of films to tackle the tech-run-rampant theme, moviegoers are presented with this dilemma in a future world inhabited by sleek robots connected remotely to the sloppier, human versions of themselves who "plug in" at home and live daily life vicariously through their robotic selves.

From the beginning, you can tell that Agent Greer (Bruce Willis) is uncomfortable with the trade-off, prompted in part by his wife's refusal to unplug and have any person-to-person contact. As he investigates the first ever surrogate to human homicide, he wades through an anti-surrogate human resistance led by "The Prophet" (Ving Rhames) and a conspiracy involving the corporation supplying the machines (shades of I, Robot).

The audience is expected to empathize with his plight, but at the screening I attended, it seemed several people (myself included) were busy caught up in the idea of how far we'd jump and how fast we'd run if we had our own alternate selves: "You can do anything and you won't get hurt." While Greer intensely wrestles with his conscience, I was imagining virtual DeWayne snowboarding down the Swiss Alps. Surrogates, you had me at "plug in."

Not to say I didn't have any questions. For one thing, there are a lot of cars in this film. Despite us witnessing surrogates running faster than Flo-Jo at times, these virtual beings travel mostly by automobile. You mean to tell me I have to buy a surrogate and a car for him to ride around in? Speaking of costs, in this future, 99 percent of the world's population use surrogates. So pretty much everyone in the world can afford one if they want?

No matter how cool and easy it may seem to use surrogates, the ultimate struggle is whether or not to unplug and face reality. Crime in the surrogate world is almost nonexistent and everyone gets along (shades of Minority Report). So obviously, there has to be something wrong beneath all of that perfection. The problem, the film supposes, is the addiction to those ageless, shiny, glossy, beautiful surrogates (if you think it's a tad ironic for a Hollywood film to suggest that, welcome to the club).

It's also peculiar that the film is released the same week Honda unveiled its U3-X, a new personal mobility device in the same vein as the Segway but smaller and more affordable. Will the new devices allow its users to go where they can't currently go and be used to their most noble intentions; or will they become a crutch, descending society farther into a technologically augmented existence?

I'm uncomfortable making such a blanket judgment for everyone. But at least for the hour and a half while watching this science fiction thriller, it's an issue you'll both wrestle with and, in most cases, be entertained by.

Surrogates is rated PG-13 for action violence, which is mostly machine related (little blood), brief sensuality, language and a scene of "drug" use (in surrogates world, it's an electrical spark).

District 9 Movie Review

2009-08-18T05:46:00.000-07:00

Sci-fi thriller District 9 zooms in for a close-up on injustice of a different sort—where the victims are extraterrestrials.

Science fiction has always been ripe ground for political allegory and the new film District 9 builds on that foundation with a spin on apartheid and refugee treatment—the subjects in this case being extraterrestrials living in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Produced by Peter Jackson and directed by Neil Blomkamp, the film opens as a pseudo-documentary, explaining the arrival 20 years ago of the aliens, who are now stranded, and the resulting tension their presence places on the already volatile area. Living in the slums beneath their broken-down spacecraft, they are targeted by the locals and are soon to be sent packing to an outside camp by the Multi-National United (MNU) corporation.

Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley), a nerdy but well-connected MNU field operative, cavalierly goes about issuing eviction notices until he knocks on the wrong door, sending his life spinning and placing him at the moral center of the film. The audience soon discovers MNU's intentions of humanitarian aid and refuge are ruses for another plan.

Lady Attacks the Vacuum Cleaner

2009-08-03T20:37:00.001-07:00

Travelin'

2009-07-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

My blog was silent last week as I traveled to Denver for a week to cover the International Christian Retail Show. You didn't see my writing here but I wrote my chubby little fingers off on stories posted over at Christian Retailing magazine if you'd like to check them out.

On the way to Denver, I realized I'd done a lot of traveling this year, perhaps more than any other single year. I love traveling but wonder if I'll ever have the security check down enough to where I don't feel like I'm holding anyone up.

My favorite trip this year? The Bahamas, of course! (check out the pictures here). We're also looking forward to our babymoon/anniversary cruise to the Western Caribbean coming next month.

Pet Peeve Parade

2009-07-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Pet peeves appear almost daily, even when you're in the best of spirits. You'll get behind the wheel, start driving somewhere and a car will crawl along on the highway in front. They finally get over and when you get about halfway beside them, they start thinking they're in the Indianapolis 500. If they'd gone a normal speed to begin with, you wouldn't have had a problem. Before you know it, you're peeved.

I thought it might be fun to do a series of blog posts on this subject. We all have one or two that really get under our skin, so let's hear 'em. Let's save the road rages ones for next time. Maybe even future ones about restaurants, theaters and traveling as well. They all deserve their own blog posts.

Here are some general ones that immediately come to mind:

-Holding the door open for someone who not only doesn't say thank you but doesn't even make eye contact.

-Likewise, people who do not return a greeting. I've known several people who would just give me a cold icy glare when I'd say "good morning" or something to that effect. Bad form!

-Line-cutters - this has happened a few times recently. Every time I get irritated about it, I'm reminded of the lines I cut when I was younger. What goes around comes around, I guess.

Those are few to get us started. I'll chime in again when I think of more. Leave yours in comments.

When Stress Creeps In

2009-07-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

When I was a teen, I'd sometimes join my youth pastor Gary on whirlwind days where he'd have back-to-back appointments and an event to execute later the same night. In the moments of heavy stress, he'd drive to a public park, pull a basketball out of the trunk of his car and shoot hoops for 20-30 minutes. It seemed a little odd to me at the time, because the appointments and tasks were piling up, but later I saw how smart it was to flush the stress out for a moment and regain some peace and calm.

Now, sometimes faced with the same sorts of days Gary faced, I find myself looking for an oasis of rest in the middle of the storm. Here are some of the ways I've tackled it:

Friends - I've found most often I turn to friends for stress-relievers, calling them up for a random conversation, putting the mountain of tasks in perspective by realizing how much more there is to life. They don't necessarily offer a solution to the problem, but just being there and listening works wonders.

Prayer - When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Running - When I used to run every day, thirty minutes later, I'd be loose as a goose. I was so laid back some people thought something was wrong with me. But I was just basking in the afterglow of the workout. Sometimes I'd run at night. I lived near a track and I'd look out on the darkness of the track even around midnight and question the run. I realized that if I could make it one lap, I'd be too tired/relaxed to care if Jason Voorhees came running out of the woods with a machete.

Music - The most memorable time of this was my second night alone in the hospital after breaking my neck. During the first night, I woke up and panicked, with all those morbid thoughts running through my head. I called my aunt just to hear a familiar voice. The second night, I asked her to bring me my music. When I woke up, I put the headphones on and worship music helped erase those worries.

What do you do? How do you handle stress?

Going to the Movies in Style: The Plaza Cinema Cafe

2009-07-06T06:17:00.000-07:00

LeAnn and I met up with some friends Friday night for some excellent Mexican food at Cantina Laredo followed by a trip to Orlando's brand new Plaza Cinema Cafe in downtown.

I have to say all five of us were blown away by this theater. Outside, someone had brought in old gangster-type cars to go along with the theme of Public Enemies, a film that was premiering. In fact, anyone wearing a gangster or early 20th century Chicago-style outfit got in free. Two spotlights were also setup out front. It was a really cool vibe, more like a premier than the usual night out at the movies.

After making our way through the lobby, we found the inside of the theaters as nice as any I've ever seen (and I'm a movie buff). Brand new recliner-style leather seats with triple-sized armrests and mini-tables for food brought back from the cafe. Yes, food, as in more than snacks. I dreamed of eating buffalo wings there one day before realizing how hard it is to keep popcorn off my shirt. I can only imagine the humiliation of a buffalo-sauce soaked shirt. Along with the chairs, the screens are of course brand new, the projection is crystal-clear digital and the sound is crisp, all adding up to an unforgettable viewing. Instead of a public movie theater, you almost felt like you were at a lager version of some wealthy socialite's home theater. It was functional, classy and comfortable. Admission? $9.50, less than what we've been paying at our local theater (and the Buy Orlando cards offer a 50% discount).

It's really the perfect spot for a movie, surrounded by dozens of eateries and offering a variety of food choices itself. The potential parking problem wound up being much ado about nothing. Tickets are validated for three hours (so I guess you'd have to book it after Transformers 2).

If you're in the Orlando area, I'd definitely recommend checking it out. Here's their Web site and Here is a good review with more pictures.

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

At the Beach

2009-07-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not entirely sure if this will update or not but it will be cool if it does (it didn't). LeAnn and I decided we don't visit the beach nearly as often as we'd like so we taking our day off and lounging by the Atlantic Ocean. It's amazing to consider how many other people are on the other side of this sea. You'll see our setup on the right. We really liked our umbrella. Then a family of four came and set up the Taj Mahal of beach shelters beside us. Took us ten minutes. Took them about an hour.

The water is nice and cool and I'm also excited that they've installed showers so the riff raff like us don't have to drive home salty.

If I don't get another chance to tell you before tomorrow, I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July holiday. God Bless America, land that I love.

The Thrill Is Gone: Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

It would be inappropriate to miss out on the opportunity to pause for a moment and remember Michael Jackson. After thousands of articles and interviews in my journalistic career, a large chunk of which are music-related, I remember the very first article I did for a publication. In Seventh Grade, I submitted a review for the "Beat It" video to our McCleskey middle school newspaper, which was so well-received the sponsor asked me to follow it with "Thriller." I had become a fan a year earlier when I bought Thriller, my very first album, which I played non-stop on my cassette player/stereo/TV combo I kept beside my bed.

I grew up in the age when MTV played music videos and Michael stood head and shoulders above everyone else. His music earned so much money, he could afford to hire any director, any musician, any celebrity to cameo and his mini-movies became media events. And everyone else worked harder to keep up. He's long been attributed to giving a young MTV the legs it had to stand on.

Long after I'd supposedly grown past his music, when the premiere for "Black and White," his first video in many years was scheduled, I planned my break at the bookstore at Town Center mall so I could walk over to the electronics store and watch it. Using every means at his disposal, including incorporating the new, expensive morphing technology, he had once again created a buzz-worthy clip. And I was a kid again.

Someone asked yesterday that if we didn't lose Michael Jackson a long time ago and I can agree with that. I don't think anything else he could have done would have restored him to the place he once had on the national stage. Ironically, his music will now enjoy the reverence that has otherwise eluded him in recent years. Still, before his personal life overshadowed his music, he was the King of Pop and no one could come close to touching him.

Metal Men: My 'Transformers 2' Review

2009-06-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

For $10, you can go to a store and buy a game like Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots; or you can buy a ticket to Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, a movie that throws that same fighting robots concept into a blender along with a couple-hundred million dollars and change. What comes out feels like the cinematic equivalent of a monster-truck rally.

Revenge, one of the most buzzed about films of the summer, is the sequel to the 2007 release, which featured (as you might have guessed) "transforming" robots. A guy behind me in the screening, in fact, said, “I'd better see some transforming going on!”

For you newcomers, the robots are divided into two camps: the Autobots and Decepticons. The former are here to save the earth from the latter, who want to take over this world because they’ve drained the life out of theirs.

Each robot has its own personality, the grandest of which is Optimus Prime, the "Superman" of the bunch (look at me trying to merge geek worlds together). Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBeouf), a college-bound teenager, lands right in the middle of the war and must navigate through a series of challenges to find the secret that the Decepticons are after.

At this point, I’ve no doubt devoted too much space to the story, which really is just an excuse to show off some of the most intense, explosive fight scenes of the summer. The sequences are fast and relentless. When I watched it, the only clue I had that the good guys were winning was the spontaneous clapping in the theater.

Read the rest of the review here.

A few words about the novel

2009-06-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Apologetically, I have to say I haven't kept up with this blog and part of that reason is because of putting more into my fiction story - Neville's Last Stand.

From one reference to the next, I can't decide if I really want to call it a novel or not (fiction story? novella? short story? depends on how long it winds up being), but I'm enjoying getting the story out there and I appreciate the encouragement over it. Although I've toyed with so many fiction story ideas over my life, sad to say this is as far as I've gotten with any of them. I usually have a strong first chapter and then run out of steam - I even joked I should do a book of only first chapters (which may happen).

The experiment of doing this as a blog has been rewarding so far. I was always intimidated by the idea of writing through a thick ream of paper and then presenting it to someone to check it out, possibly shopping it around if I felt good enough about it to then possibly hiding it on a shelf somewhere. What I love about this is immediate feedback and the ability to go back and make minor grammatical tweaks when necessary (in fact, the entire story, when it's done, may get a good polishing up).

I'm still learning but I think this is a good process. I wish I'd done it years ago. I told some friends yesterday that I find if you do have a good story idea, if you don't put it to paper, someone else will do it first and then you'll wish you had.

For those of you who are reading and giving feedback, I really appreciate it. Your support is totally fueling the desire to continue the story and I'm very grateful for that. I'm glad we're in this ride together.

A Galaxy Far, Far Away....

2009-05-30T18:16:00.001-07:00

LeAnn and I went to Star Wars weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios today and caught some cool sights. We ran into a stormtrooper that liked LeAnn, but me not so much. It was also cute to see the kids who booed and shot at Darth Vader and the stormtroopers and cheered the good guys. Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca, was also there. :

A Great Cloud of Witnesses

2009-05-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

We were not the first to walk this road and we won't be the last. Every decision, every plan of action has a consequence. Our responsibility lies not only with those who follow but to those who carved the path. I stand upon a platform afforded to me by the pain and sacrifice of my predecessors, one that I will one day clear for the next generation. When contending for the faith, I must remember I'm not fighting for myself.

Star Trek Goes Boldy: A Movie Review

2009-05-07T17:06:00.000-07:00

"I dare you to do better."

When a young, pre-captain James Kirk hears this plea from a decorated Starfleet officer in the new J.J. Abrams revamp of Star Trek, something triggers, prompting him to give up a soulless existence and step into his destiny. Moviegoers, already familiar with the mythology of the legendary captain, have the vantage point of knowing what his incredible journey will entail, but seeing that choice played out on screen is truly captivating.

The entire film, which opens nationwide on Friday, is stunning—from start to finish. I say this with full disclosure of having never owned a pair of Vulcan ears and being the pathetic imitator of the Vulcan hand greeting. I have seen all the original films and I can say with complete honesty the new film is far superior (hate mail with Klingon cuss words soon coming, I'm sure). Read the rest here.

DeWayne's Novel - Chapter One

2009-05-04T04:14:00.000-07:00

Well, now, I've finally gone and done it. Chapter one of my first blog novel is up at its own blog site. I'd appreciate any of you who are interested clicking here to read it. I've also created a new link through this blog. New chapters will post weekly.

I spoke to a friend this summer who gave me the final inspiration for this format. I hope you enjoy it.

Please feel free to leave feedback in the blog comments section.

Moving beyond intimidation

2009-05-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

More than once, I've sat frozen on the sidelines, sizing myself up against what's to be expected and what's already gone before. An encouraging word and mental pep rally pushes me to edge and still I stand there, staring at the water. The rally becomes an inquisition. The idea may be inspired but what right do you have to go through with it?

I'm certain you can sympathize. Fears of failure or ridicule run rampant. With almost every organization or committee I've ever found myself in, especially in regard to new projects, the shadows of the more successful tower over us and we wonder why we even bother. Will it measure up? What will it look like? What if it fails?

I stood with someone on the opening day of his brand new business venture, cheering him on. A month later, he was out of cash and out of a job. He felt the need to apologize or explain himself and I said "good for you. You gave it your best effort. It was worth the risk."

No matter where you are in life, there are a hundred reasons to stay in the comfort zone - you're too young, you're too old, you lack the resources or someone else is doing it better, to name a few. Beyond all of those excuses, limitations and intimidation, there's one crucial reason to dive in...

Life is worth the risk.

At World's End: A Review of 'Knowing'

2009-04-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

If the world was ending, where would your faith lie? That's a question John Koestler (Nicolas Cage) wrestles with in the science fiction thriller Knowing. When his son becomes the recipient of a page of a strangely scrawled numbers unearthed from a time capsule, Koestler, an astrophysics professor (naturally), begins to decode what he believes is a blueprint for tragedies.

Koestler has already experienced tragedy. He masks the sorrow of his late wife's death with alcohol and has long since abandoned his faith and his minister father. The last remaining light of his life is his son and through that love, he's forced to fight and come face to face with what he ultimately believes happens when we die.
Add in some creepy whispering shadows who only select children can hear and you have a bona fide thriller, suspenseful enough to make me question my decision to bring along my wife. Some Armageddon-style effects are also thrown in for good measure.

Knowing borrows heavily from earlier sci-fi and thriller flicks like Signs, Deep Impact and The Number 23. Without giving too much away, the movie reveals a divine connection that could cause a great divide over Christians who see it. Ultimately, however, the side elements of the story are only a tool to showcase the faith journey of the main character. In the midst of crisis, does he return to a God he believed in before tragedy struck? Are there questions science can't answer?

The movie doesn't attempt to settle the debate but gets the pot stirring enough to provoke conversation. And that's a good thing.

Friends are Facebook Friends Forever.....maybe not

2009-04-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

I had several Facebook friend adds today and, knowing already what my current amount of friends was, mentally added it up. Just so you know, I don't think any certain number of Facebook friends makes anyone better than anyone else or is any kind of status symbol. I do think it's cool to have a list of so many folks you've come in contact with through the years or made contact recently. Plus I tell my wife so she can believe I'm pretty much the coolest person to ever walk the planet.

When I clicked to add the new friends, I checked the amount and noticed it had stayed the same. That means as I was letting new friends in the front door, some old ones were excusing themselves out the back. On Twitter, there's a Qwitter application that will tell you exactly which follower has left the room and which post made them leave, but it's not very helpful, since it seems pretty random. On Facebook, ignorance seems to be bliss. It's like being at a party and all of a sudden going 'I thought I saw Joe here somewhere.'

By chance, I checked one particular friend who I noticed in their info was on the opposite spectrum of where I'm coming from spiritually and socially. I doubt we were ever too much on the same road but for sure our paths are miles apart now. Still, even in our differences, I wonder what could possibly have been said to cut that line? I've always enjoyed the fact that I don't let ideological differences detract from relationships. And I frequently vote for those I don't agree with - "guilty!!" Just kidding.

I realize the irony of this post coming right after the people pleaser post. Me saying just last night I need to be caught up in what others think. And perhaps the two posts are connected. Regardless, I meant everything I said. And if you come back, I promise to be a good boy. :-)

People Pleaser

2009-04-13T21:00:00.001-07:00

Am I trying to win the approval of men or of God? When I first read that question, offered up in Galatians 1:10, it hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks. Having spent hours courting the favor of others in whatever situations I found myself in, many times with the grandest of intentions, I realized my priorities had shifted. That’s not to say I would stop, crawl into a cave, quit bathing and become God’s man Friday. But that concept of God approval did help me redirect my energy, lifting the burden of acceptance off of my shoulders.

I fell into the trap slowly. You start this journey not really caring a whole lot what people think. Many of us raise hands and walk forward alone. Then, others begin to notice and the ones that shaking their heads are patting you on the back. Well done, I admire your morals. A little pride seeps in and soon you find yourself playing the same pointless popularity game only in a different circle. By sheer human nature and force of habit, you adapt to your surroundings.

God calls us out of the crowd, to a counter-cultural walk so obvious that it provides hope for searching souls and contempt from those wondering what’s gotten into us.

“…am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Six Months Ago...

2009-04-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

I took some time today to edit our wedding video down to 5 minutes so I could share it with all of you. It was such a great day. It's somewhat hard to fathom the time and energy so many of our friends spent in gathering together to help us celebrate.

Things I've Learned in Dallas

2009-03-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

Landed here in Dallas Thursday for an assignment to cover the Christian Book Expo for work. Besides passing through a few times, the only other time I was here was with my cousin and her family for "Taste of Dallas" many years ago after touring the JFK spot. This time has been ripe with adventure, so I thought I'd document a few nuggets of wisdom I've learned so far.

-Mary Kay women wear red coats. Not all of them, but at least the higher ups. There's a convention here in the hotel. They let out a session when I headed to the checkin to get another key (mine quit working) and added about 40 minutes onto my night.

-Hotel room keys get de-magnetized. This is one of the most frustating things - to finally drag yourself to your room for some much needed sleep and finding your card doesn't work. But I finally found out the reason - when you put in your pocket next to your cell phone or credit card.

-Dogs and cats are going to heaven. I always suspected this but never heard it with such theological conviction as I did at the Christian Book Expo. JI Packer said he tells kids "if you want your dog to be there, he'll be there." I do.

-Nicole C. Mullen used to be a "Newsgirl." After talking over the latest news about Michael Tait joining Newsboys, Nicole had her own surprise - she traveled with the Newsboys after her time with Amy Grant as an official Newgirl!

-My method of walking toward downtown buildings to get there doesn't always work. I found this out after arriving at a barbwire fence and a big steel fence with spikes. I did consider climbing second fence, but instead walked another mile to the center.

-Not everyone's crazy about Christian products. I found this out listening to one man going off on a tirade against one publisher while I stood and talked to friends. It was halfway over before I realized the two weren't friends and he was indeed on the attack.

-Robert Lipaurulo used to write for Christian Retailing and other Strang magazines. Now he's a full-time novelist with several movie rights being optioned. How cool is that? I asked him if he'd like me to dub him the alumni of the year.

-Cab drivers don't always know where they're going or how to drive. The driver is going away from my hotel and I stop him, he turns around and I say "now you're driving down a one way!" and he ignores me. Then we get to the end of that road and he says "there's no light" (to turn) and I said "yeah, we're going the wrong way." They don't waste money putting in traffic lights for people going the wrong way. When we got right up at the hotel, he wasn't turning left and i said "left." And he keeps going and then I say "LEFT LEFT LEFT!" and he finally turns. An hour later, here I am. :-)

-Max Lucado is as down to earth as you'd imagine him to be. What a nice guy. I felt like I was meeting with a new pastor I'd known all my life.

So what will today bring? Perhaps not as much excitement. I definitely know where I'm going now.

Human Touch

2009-03-08T16:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it feels like pretty much everyone I've ever met is online. Since I first signed up, I've come in contact with friends from all the chapters of my life- high school, neighborhood, summer camp, church, college, work, etc. The growth of social networking has changed the face of relationships and created a world where everyone can always stay connected.

As exciting as virtual connectivity is, it's more important than ever to remember the importance of human contact. The actual physical touch has been reported to release life-prolonging endorphins into the body and, according to studies, is "so critical that its absence retards growth in infants." Twenty years ago in youth group, we spent months volunteering in a children's hospital ICU holding infants and children whose caregivers had more life-threatening concerns than simply being held.

There are times you've been down to or nearly at the bottom. The words of a friend bring life, but when accompanied with a caring hug or a hand on the shoulder, are just what the doctor ordered. We're just wired this way. At my scariest moment, I could've received phone calls from everyone I ever met, but when I felt the hand of a loved one grab mine, I really knew I wasn't alone.

Conventional wisdom, especially in this day and age, gives you a little pause before touching. Perhaps it's wise but also a little unfortunate. I say go for the gold - look for someone who needs a good hug this week. Be sure to let them go after a few seconds.

I love this video:

Watchmen Movie Review

2009-03-05T20:20:00.000-08:00

Have you ever opened a beautifully wrapped Christmas present only to discover the gift was not yours but someone else’s? This misfire even happens with correctly assigned gifts. Two years ago, after opening the Batman play set, my nephew turned to me and said “I told you—I don’t like superheroes.”

My suspicion is that most moviegoers will feel the same way well into the third hour of Watchmen, opening Friday. The movie, centered on the classic graphic novel from 1986 by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, has spent the last 20 or so years trying to get made. Studios were no doubt terrified of gambling money on a twisted take on costumed superheroes who hack child-killers to death and sexually assault one another.

I Got Chills! (Meeting Olivia Newton-John)

2009-03-04T21:24:00.000-08:00

If the writers of '24' wrote other things.....

2009-02-26T06:31:00.000-08:00

I love '24' and had this discussion on a message board that I thought would be funny to share with you all here. What if the writers of '24' tried their hands at other popular storylines?

If the '24' writers wrote...

-Batman, Alfred would be a mole and the Batcave would come under an attack once a year.

-The A-Team, BA Baracus would be assassinated and and his younger brother would step in and get blown up. Murdock would indeed go crazy and be confined to an asylum that the team would have to break him out of.

-Die Hard, John McClane would blow the whole building up to make sure the terrorists didn't escape and learn to live with the casualties.

-Little House, Manly would be involved in a cover-up and Nellie would kill him to keep it under wraps.

-Alice - Vera would be the mole and Alice's son Tommy would have to outrun a mountain lion.

--Dukes of Hazzard - Luke would be assassinated by Roscoe, which would lead Bo to go on a revenge spree, killing Uncle Jesse, who tries to stop him. Daisy would appear to be a traitor and, under a traumatic torture/interrogation, she would be proven innocent. The General Lee would be, of course, destroyed in the process by Cooter, who is a mercenary for hire.

my friends contributed these ideas, too:

-Steel Magnolias - Everyone would assume that Shirley MacLaine is the mole because of her surley character, to be swerved into thinking maybe it was the self-righteous Sally Field. In the episode that changes the whole season it will be revealed it was Shirley MacLaine after all. In a touching moment, Olympia Dukakis dies in Jack's arms....after he had promised he would protect her (Jeff Jones).

-Friday the 13th - Chloe triangulates Jason location to help Jack find him in Camp Crystal Lake. During a heart pounding moment, Jack yells to Jason, "Drop the machete! I don't want to hurt you!" right before shooting him and hurting him. In a moment of irony, Tony says it seems fake that Jason came back from the dead (Jeff Jones).

Florida Sky

2009-02-19T18:46:00.000-08:00

Last night, I saw some status updates of people enduring cold weather and storms so I paused for a moment before dinner to appreciate where I'm living. Here's the shot - I love sundown in Florida.

'Push' This Movie Off a Cliff

2009-02-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

I don't have long before they come, so you're going to have to listen carefully and pay close attention. The powerful underground group behind the new supernatural action movie Push

are hot on my trail and using their powers to coerce me into thinking it's a great movie. But I have to get the word out. A great movie it's not.

In the film, humans with supernatural abilities are racing to gain control of a super-powered steroid formula that can make them even more powerful. At the center of the mess is Nick Gant (played by Fantastic Four's Chris Evans, aka The Human Torch) and Dakota Fanning, trying to survive the attacks of the other super-powered beings who fall into categories like movers, pushers, watchers, bleeders and cloggers (and I only made that last one up).

So far, so good, right? Those of us who love superhero movies may be suckered by what seems like a winning formula, but there are so many misfires with this film that you wonder if Mr. Magoo is holding the gun (actually, no one is—guns flying through the air powered by telekenesis is one of the film's proudest and overused effects). Push also can't decide if it wants to be a full-blown action movie or some somber artsy treatise on finding your way in a cruel world. How else can you explain the 13-year-old Fanning, who's in the awkward in-between cute stages, hamming it up by stumbling around drunk?

Jack and Jill and Cheese Wheels

2009-02-17T19:23:00.001-08:00

LeAnn told me I was mean for laughing so hard and then rewinding this and watching it again, but this is pretty much the funniest thing I saw this week on television. The teams are given a pretty impossible task of taking cheese wheels down a steep hill on The Amazing Race.

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My Valentine

2009-02-17T15:21:00.001-08:00

My sweet wife was actually out of state on Valentine's Day, attending her grandmother's funeral. So we celebrated on Sunday night when she returned. I told her I liked the idea of missing the Valentine's Day crowds and getting deep discounts on the merchandise, but somehow I don't think she's thrilled about the idea of postponing it every year (I still have about 363 days to talk her into it, though). I did have a fine meal waiting for her and thought I'd give you a peek at the setup, complete with our new wedding China.

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Disney's American Idol Experience

2009-02-16T18:00:00.001-08:00

On Thursday, Disney opened its newest show, the American Idol Experience. The attraction is a new show at Hollywood Studios where guests can compete against each other in finale-type shows throughout the day, complete with judges, a host and a lot of integration with the TV series.

LeAnn and I went to a special passholder preview last weekend and since several people have asked us what the attraction is all about, I thought I'd share some observations.

First of all, I want to say I think this is an ingenious attraction for Disney. Unlike other shows around the parks, its different every single time, based on on audience participation. Even though it relies heavily on its association with the hit television show, the stars are the guests themselves. You could actually go for the day and just take in all the shows, including the end-of-day finale and be entertained. Good news for those who just don't like rides (although I do).

I also had another good idea and I'm not sure if Disney has plans for it or not, but what about featuring Idol contestants when they come through town? Even the lesser-known ones, the ones struggling to find audiences around the country? The AIE could be a nice place to see a random mini-concert from a Jason Castro or Brooke White. Or even William Hung (hey, I'm easily entertained).

The day we went, we saw two below average and one average singer. I told LeAnn regardless of how talented they were, it would still be entertaining. Even though the talent isn't always there, the judges aren't cruel. Even the Simon-type throws out statements designed to get the audience booing, but still doesn't have quite the bite Mr. Cowell does (although I'd pay extra to see it). They are entertaining and characters, although a bit cartoony and loose caricatures of the judges (the "Randy" throws out the word "bananas" in place of "dawg").

I'm told you have to go early in the day and line up in the back of the theater to try out. I told LeAnn she should try and she said no, but when we heard the ones that made it, she's considering it. So maybe next time, I'll be able to tell you how she won. Former contestant Mandisa even encouraged us to try (more about that later).

Before you go in the show, you're treated a video montage of the best moments in the television while also raising your participation in a psuedo-Idol show (cutting to Justin Guarini at "home base").

This is the waiting area, although it gets way more crowded than this. We lined up on the right side, where we could sit for the duration, getting up when the video was closing to get over the opening doors.

When the attraction officially opened, Idols from all the seasons descended on Orlando to join in the fun. Mandisa came by our office to visit and we had a good time meeting her and talking with her about Idol. No, I do not normally wear a suit.

Thanks for reading and let me know if you make it to the American Idol Experience. I'd love to compare notes.

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Meanie

2009-02-09T18:25:00.001-08:00

I think I am the last one to watch the Grammys and I just had this overwhelming desire to post this picture. Who am I?

Back in the day, she jokingly told me I was mean in our interview for implying she wasn't one of the popular girls in school. She'd probably say the say about posting this old picture. Sure am glad I'm not famous. :-)

Movies to Look Forward to in 2009

2009-01-26T21:17:00.000-08:00

Okay so we just closed the door on 2008, but I already have my year planned out, movie wise. Here are some that look promising in the new year. Whether they are good or not, we'll have to see. :-)

Taken - Jan. 30

Liam Neeson is really good at being bad and he looks to be the anti-hero here going after the bad guys who take his daughter. I wouldn't want to be on the other end of that anger.

Push - Feb. 6

I haven't seen anything in trailers that really draw me in to this superhero flick, but since it's superhero, I think I'm obligated to see it.

Watchmen - March 6

I remember the graphic novel from high school. It will be dark but it will also be superhero, so...nuff said.

Race to Witch Mountain - March 13

Another remake of a movie I have fond memories of.

Duplicity - March 20

Julia Roberts!! The Atlantis Resort (looks like they're staying just a few doors down from our honeymoon suite, too). I'm there!

Monsters Vs. Aliens - March 27

Yes, it's a cartoon but it still looks good, kinda like the Incredibles.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine - May 1

Can't wait to see Wolverine, Deadpool and Gambit mixing it up.

Star Trek - May 8

More interested in JJ Abrams magic touch on this than it being Star Trek but the preview looks amazing.

Terminator: Salvation - May 22

When I first heard about this film, I thought it would be a direct to DVD rehash, but then...they cast Christian Bale as John Connor and it all made sense.

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen - June 26
I wasn't as big of a fan of the first one as a lot of people I know, but it was a fun popcorn movie.
2012- July 10
This one has been delayed so it will be a few months before the actual end of the world, which this movie supposedly depicts.
GI Joe: Rise of the Cobra - Aug. 7
He used to be a real American hero and now he works for the world. Besides that, I'm interested.
Toy Story 3D - Oct. 2
Haven't heard much more about this but I loved the original three.
Nottingham - Nov. 6
I doubt this is still on track since Maid Marion just dropped out but as long as Russell Crowe is still playing Robin, it's going to be great.
Sherlock Holmes - Nov. 20
Robert Downey, Jr. continues his comeback with a new take on the classic hero. Haven't seen much about it but I have high hopes.
Avatar - Dec. 18
Will it be a colossal letdown or a worthy follow-up to Titanic? We'll see.

Entertainment Weekly also has a special report with pictures of some of the most anticipated films of 2008.

Clint made my day

2009-01-22T17:07:00.000-08:00

I'd hate to be the Academy voters today who shut him out for nominations, because Clint Eastwood can be quite an imposing figure. He fits the mold of a grumpy old man but because of all his gunslin' days, he becomes even more menacing.

On my first trip to Los Angeles, I was on the lookout for celebrities. I was anxious to see one and then ran into the granddaddy of them all. Standing at the airport baggage claim, Eastwood walks up to me and stands right beside squinting at the arrivals and departures screen.

I turned to him and said "hey Mr. Eastwood!!" and he didn't respond. I turned to my friends and they were about 10 feet away staring, along with a group of Japanese tourists taking pictures. As he turned toward me to walk away, I caught his eyes and said "HELLO?" and he said, in that grovely voice, "HI." A classic Eastwood moment that I'll never forget.

Here's a movie review I wrote of his most recent film, which I do think should have been nominated.

When initial reports came out about Clint Eastwood’s final acting role in Gran Torino, some speculated it would be a send-off of his early shoot-em-up films, much like his Oscar-winner Unforgiven bookended his Westerns. A stone-faced Eastwood appearing with a rifle in the previews and poster seemed to reinforce that idea.

“Get off my lawn …” doesn’t quite roll off the tongue like, “Go ahead, make my day,” but Walt Kiwalski isn’t quite Dirty Harry. Sure, he’s good with a gun and isn’t one for idle humor, but this Korean War vet is a man without purpose. We meet Walt standing beside the casket of his late wife and growling as his rowdy grandchildren walk in to pay disrespects.

The film plays Walt’s grumpiness as comedy for a while, before it pulls back the curtain to expose his pain. He has lost the “greatest woman who ever lived,” but clings to other items of bygone days, like his cherished car, his home, a limited racist worldview and painful memories of war. Shunning the Hmong family who live next door, he is almost helplessly drawn in when a disturbance at their house ends up on his property.

What follows is a theme of relentless pursuit. First, a grateful Hmong girl (Ahney Her) drags Walt from his self-imposed exile into a new relationship with others, prompting Walt to reciprocate by becoming an unlikely father figure to her brother (Bee Vang). At the same time, his wife’s baby-faced priest (Christopher Carley) unleashes “loaded barrels” of hope and faith. He tells Walt that “stronger men than you” have been able to find forgiveness and make peace with the horrors of war. The old veteran is skeptical, to say the least.

The film, much like Walt’s evolving neighborhood, the film becomes a melting pot of themes and stories—an important commentary not only on moving past racism, but also on the aforementioned spotlight on faith and forgiveness.

It’s a vital conversation, but the inner-city language is raw. The language, more than the violence, is what earns this movie’s R rating, including more racial slurs than one can count.

My Favorite (and Least Favorite) Films of 2008

2008-12-30T06:57:00.000-08:00

Since we are days away from the New Year, I thought it would be safe to go ahead and start posting my favorites of 2008. I've done full reviews on some of the films, so look for those to be linked. Here are my personal favorites, least favorites and a few that almost made one list or the other.

The Dark Knight - This film was pitch perfect as far as what most comic fans hold Batman and the Joker to be. A dynamic story, a flawless cast and, again, non-stop action. Seeing it in IMAX was worth the extra effort.
Cloverfield - What an adventure! The trailer promised big things and the film did not disappoint. From the first few minutes, the action was intense and relentless. Saw it twice in the theater.
Appaloosa - I don't know at what age I passed that I started enjoying westerns again, but I loved 3:10 to Yuma, the Brad Pitt/Jesse James flick and now this. A simple, nice movie with a great cast.
Iron Man - When they announced this project, I predicted it could be almost or as big as Spiderman and it was. Transformers meets Superman with a knockout performance by Robert Downey, Jr.
The Incredible Hulk - Probably a little too much CGI for the average filmgoer to enjoy but to me, this was the Hulk movie I'd been hoping for.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - No way could this movie live up to the hype but it transformed me back into a 12-year old boy for an evening, spellbound on Indy's adventures.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - An ambitious project that the filmmakers thought was grander than what it was. Still, it was a standout.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - It stood in the shadows of its superior predecessor but Narnia remained a great place to visit.
Leatherheads - A cute movie with memorable witty banter and classic Hollywood feel.

My Least Favorites:
You Don't Mess with the Zohan - Zohan deserves its own list. It outpaced every other film to the worst position by a mile. It is without a doubt the worst I have seen in years.
Meet the Spartans - For some reason, I thought LeAnn wanted me to rent this. We made it through five minutes after realizing neither of us had requested it.
The Promotion - Billed as a comedy and then as a dark comedy (i.e. meaning it's not funny).
Pathology - Milo, stick with your day job.
The House Bunny - Saw this only to keep from seeing something worse. Lesser of two evils is still evil. :-)
Swing Vote - I had low expectations and went to this to be agreeable and still didn't like it.
Prom Night - A horror movie reimagined as an Afterschool Special.
The Happening - M. Night, you had me until the plants. Now, how about that Unbreakable sequel? All will be forgiven.
Made of Honor - One of the chick flicks I had to endure.
Definitely, Maybe - Another one.

Additional films I saw in 2008 that did not rate favorite or least favorite:
Hancock More enjoyable than I thought it would be. It probably deserves to be among my favorites, but I'd already put so many superhero flicks on there already.
Wall*E - Many critics have put this as their best of 2008, but I was thoroughly disappointed with the second half.
Vantage Point Very promising and might have made the favorites list if it lost a few of the vantage points.
Expelled I thought this was a very interesting documentary. The negative reaction it received only supported its point.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - I had high hopes for this one, too and there were a few bright spots, but ultimately it failed to seal the deal.
The Day the Earth Stood Still - Big budget disaster flick - my kind of movie!
Red - I think me and one other person saw this movie, but it was a very interesting slow paced drama.

I'll Have a Blue........

2008-12-22T07:19:00.000-08:00

Friday night, we were feverishly resetting our spare bedroom/storage room back into a guest room for company coming the next day. It was a whirlwind evening of work, seriously sapping what little energy we had after the week. During one of several trips to the dumpster, I noticed a gathering of friends in a nearby apartment. And, peering in, I was a little bit sad.

I've been very reluctant to admit anything other than total satisfaction with the move down here, just because I know how words can be misinterpreted and pretty soon a spark of doubt can be reported as a raging wildfire. But I can concede that my mind drifted to all the Christmas parties that were taking place back in Tennessee, even one of the most fun ones taking place that very night. My once crowded holiday schedule has, in recent years, become very open and clear.

It's all a part of the change of scenery. For the most part, it's been a wonderful change and I'm aware that your memory sometimes makes the good ole' days lot a lot more golden than they were. But, there are still occasional moments like Friday night, when I glanced in that window like a poor child in a Dickens novel, thinking about the grass I used to walk on.

It's Friday!

2008-12-19T04:28:00.000-08:00

It's the Friday before Christmas! LeAnn and I went to see a sneak of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" last night. We enjoyed it, although it was long and we were starving. Traffic derailed our dinner plans. Review will be posted in the next few days.

Thought you might enjoy this video of our niece singing "I Like to Move It, Move It" from the Madagascar 2 movie. I thought it was awfully cute:

Goin' to the Movies

2008-12-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

I love to go to the movies. Always have, as far back as I can remember. There's just something about sitting in a comfortable seat in the dark theater blanketing every possible distraction (not always) listening to stereo sound. It is a joy to load up a big bucket of popcorn, a Coke that burns your throat going down and even sometimes a pack of chocolate chip cookie dough candy.

I sometimes don't think of moviegoing as a social activity, perhaps because you get in the theater and just watch. But still, some great memories have happened theaters.

I went with some friends to see Lethal Weapon 2 and my friend Ronnie bought a bag of popcorn. We went in and sat down and he asked me if I wanted some popcorn and handed me the bag. I chowed down for a good 2-3 minutes before I noticed him eating from another bag. "What is that?" "The bag of popcorn I bought!" "Well, what am I eating?" "It was in the seat when I got in here!"

I'll never forget the opening night of Titanic. Who would have thought at 3 hours in, the story was still going? My friend was miserable with a bladder full of Diet Coke. We were stuck in the middle of the row, my favorite seats, but not a good one for navigating in and out. He told me "I'll have to meet yall back in the lobby" and then kept sitting there, afraid he'd miss something. When Jack is in the water and Kate is holding his hand, the film broke. It was after midnight in the theater. My friend sprang up, bolted to the restroom and when he returned, the movie started back. It broke again and they gave us full refunds. But I never again had the desire to spend 3 hours and 15 minutes to find out what happens in the final ten. Did they sell the diamond?

I don't really appreciate hearing people talk in a theater unless it's a scary movie and the talk is accompanied by a scream or two. The last scary movie I saw, a woman sitting in front of us screamed bloody murder and slipped down under her seat when the killer appeared. It was kinda like a human puppet show. When some friends and I went to see the remake of When a Stranger Calls, the row behind us filled in with 13 year-old girls, chatting it up about boys and iPods and cell phones. I was miserable...until the movie started. Their screams were better than Dolby stereo surround! It was hilarious.

At the opening of Star Wars Episode I, a big group of us were waiting to be seated. It was packed and the ticket taker, who was seated, yelled out instructions. One of my friends yelled back "if you'd stand up, maybe we could hear you better!" Of course they were in a wheelchair.

No Country for Old Yeller: A Movie Review of "Red"

2008-12-12T07:32:00.000-08:00

Many tales have been spun centering on men seeking revenge for injustices done against them. A sea of lone vigilantes too numerous to mention have, through the years, taken up arms against those who’ve invaded their space and taken something they love. The audiences have been drawn, because it feeds into the inherent natural craving they feel for all to be made right.

Red, a sleeper film that has recently released on DVD, is one such story with a little twist. What if what means the most in the world to you is Red, your constant companion and best friend? Brian Cox stars as Avery Ludlow, an old man sitting on a fishing bank with his 14 year-old dog. When some local teens come to start harassing him and decide to shoot the dog for the fun of it, Avery’s world is shaken and he spends the rest of the film seeking justice.

It doesn’t help that two of the teens in question are the sons of a shady businessman who quickly dismisses Avery’s story (it also doesn’t help the movie that he’s played by Tom Sizemore, but what can you do? Fast forward, I guess). The father not only covers up for the youths but creates a little more drama for Avery to muddle through on his path to justice.

Although previews might lead one to think otherwise, the film is at its core a drama about an old man who not only seeks an apology but also seems concerned for the path the teens have chosen. He wants them to confess not only for some sense of vindication but also because it’s the right thing to do. That’s probably what distinguishes him from the Dirty Harrys of the world. At some point, the true villain shifts from careless teens to a father who doesn’t care enough to set them straight.

The film is purposefully slow, showcasing Cox’s subtle acting talent. Having played over the top before in films like X Men 2, The Ring and Manhunter (he was the original Hannibal Lecter), the actor is equally comfortable being a sympathetic character.

Red is a film with many layers. It’s billed as a movie with a man avenging his dog. Deeper than that, however, it’s a story of a widow clinging to the last good souvenir of his best times and the tragedy of children raised without a strong sense of right and wrong. It’s by no means the film of the year but still a memorable rental that may compel you to go out and hug your own four-legged best friend after watching.

-by DeWayne Hamby from the New Man eMagazine.