Tomorrow marks the first of March, and on March 30 we get the next new episode of the greatest science fiction show ever, Doctor Who. So for the next thirty days I will be counting down to that new episode with a little challenge I stole offline. I changed a couple of the days because I couldn't quite read what the tiny print said on it or it made no sense, so here is the list, if you want to play along.
Day 1: Favorite Doctor
Day 2: Favorite Companion
Day 3: Least Favorite Companion
Day 4: Favorite Villain
Day 5: Favorite Alien
Day 6: Favorite Special Episode
Day 7: Favorite season
Day 8: Least Favorite season
Day 9: Favorite Master
Day 10: Saddest Episode
Day 11: Funniest Episode
Day 12: Scariest Episode
Day 13: Favorite Episode ever
Day 14: Character you like that everyone else hates
Day 15: Most annoying character
Day 16: Favorite Actor
Day 17: Least Favorite Actor
Day 18: Favorite Actress
Day 19: Least Favorite Actress
Day 20: Favorite writer
Day 21: Favorite couple
Day 22: Favorite friendship
Day 23: Favorite Spin Off
Day 24: Favorite Quote
Day 25: Favorite Doctor Who Catch phrase
Day 26: Favorite Gadget
Day 27: Favorite interview or press appearance
Day 28: Favorite collectable
Day 29: Favorite guest star
Day 30: When did you become a fan
So join me starting tomorrow and give me your choices!!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
2012 The Year in Review Part 4: Top 5 most attractive new female characters on TV
Okay, it is mid February and way past time to be done with 2012. Excuse my laziness and apathy. Healing from a broken hip is a real pain, and distracting, I'm sorry I have neglected you all. Today's blog is fun category I made up for this year just because I found some very interesting new women in the latest TV season, so I thought you might enjoy this.
5.) Janie on Go On played by Christine Woods. This is a very interresting character. It is the ghost of Matthew Perry's wife. She turns up to from time to time to help him along in his recovery from the grief of losing her. The first time she appears she is wearing one of his old shirts....great scene.
4.) Juliette Barnes on Nashville played by Hayden Panettiere. This character is a bitch to say the least. But is very cute. Great to have Hayden back after a few years. She is no longer the cheerleader you fell in love with on Heroes. All the other women in this countdown are attractive as characters as well as attractive looking. This entry, I admit has nothing to do with the character, and is purely based on looks...sorry.
3.) Marley Rose on GLEE played by Melissa Benoist. The new girl on GLEE this season (the NICE new girl). She is the daughter of the obese cafeteria worker, and struggles with her self image. She is sweet as can be, and did I mention...of course...she can sing!!
2.) Clara/Oswin on Doctor Who played by Jenna-Louise Colemen. Clara has some big shoes to fill, replacing Amy Pond as The Doctor's latest companion. So far we have seen her in two very different characterizations in two episodes...and she died in both. In this scene from The Snowmen episode, I think we can see she will be a great addition to the show.
1.) Charlie Matheson on Revolution played by Tracy Spiridakos. Trying to survive in a world that has lost all power, this girl kicks but, and will do what it takes to save her family. And she looks good doing it. A strong and attractive character.
Well, that concludes my long overdue 2012 in review section of my blog. Hope you enjoyed it.
5.) Janie on Go On played by Christine Woods. This is a very interresting character. It is the ghost of Matthew Perry's wife. She turns up to from time to time to help him along in his recovery from the grief of losing her. The first time she appears she is wearing one of his old shirts....great scene.
4.) Juliette Barnes on Nashville played by Hayden Panettiere. This character is a bitch to say the least. But is very cute. Great to have Hayden back after a few years. She is no longer the cheerleader you fell in love with on Heroes. All the other women in this countdown are attractive as characters as well as attractive looking. This entry, I admit has nothing to do with the character, and is purely based on looks...sorry.
3.) Marley Rose on GLEE played by Melissa Benoist. The new girl on GLEE this season (the NICE new girl). She is the daughter of the obese cafeteria worker, and struggles with her self image. She is sweet as can be, and did I mention...of course...she can sing!!
2.) Clara/Oswin on Doctor Who played by Jenna-Louise Colemen. Clara has some big shoes to fill, replacing Amy Pond as The Doctor's latest companion. So far we have seen her in two very different characterizations in two episodes...and she died in both. In this scene from The Snowmen episode, I think we can see she will be a great addition to the show.
1.) Charlie Matheson on Revolution played by Tracy Spiridakos. Trying to survive in a world that has lost all power, this girl kicks but, and will do what it takes to save her family. And she looks good doing it. A strong and attractive character.
Well, that concludes my long overdue 2012 in review section of my blog. Hope you enjoyed it.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
2012 The Year in Review: Part 3--Top 5 Movies of 2012
Sorry for the long lapse in posting. A broken hip and Hospital rehab stay will do that to a blog. So, as the Oscars approach I want to take a look at the top 5 movies of the year. I think you will find this an interesting mix.
5.) The Odd Life of Timothy Green-- This is a family oriented Disney film. To be honest, I only went to see it because Jennifer Garner is in it. But I was so surprised by how moving it was, It actually made me cry. It is an important lesson in a) accepting what life gives you, and b) accepting people the way they are, Kids will like it, but adults should see it too.
4.) The Hobbit-- I knew this movie would be in my top 5, but actually expected it to be higher on the list. It is a great film, as are the original LOTR trilogy. I just felt that Jackson brought in too much extra back story that was not part of the original book. Part of the greatness of the Hobbit is the ability to draw you into Middle Earth without quite so much of the darkness of LOTR. But in order to get three movies out of it, Jackson has added too mucch. Great movie, but too much.
3.) Silver Linings Playbook-- This movie is an Oscar Favorite, and deservedly so. I must say, as I was watching it, I kept telling myself I didn't like it much. At the same time I kept saying to myself how good the acting was. I'm still not sure I like all of the storyline, but by the end of the movie I so wanted a happy ending for Cooper and Lawrence's Characters. I really think this movie could sweep the Acting categories this year. Love this dance scene.
2.) Blue Like Jazz-- This amazing little independent movie is something you really need to see. The story of a Texas raised Christian boy who becomes disillusioned with the faith he was raised on, and goes in search of meaning in his life. This is a film that almost wasn't made, until a kickstarter project saved it.
1.) The Hunger Games-- Huge teen megahit. Although I usually don't include such trendy films on my top 5, I had to put this movie at #1 because, my lord, it amazed me. I was moved to tears several times during this show, It was amazingly good story telling, great acting, and really well made.
So there's my top five, hope you like them.
5.) The Odd Life of Timothy Green-- This is a family oriented Disney film. To be honest, I only went to see it because Jennifer Garner is in it. But I was so surprised by how moving it was, It actually made me cry. It is an important lesson in a) accepting what life gives you, and b) accepting people the way they are, Kids will like it, but adults should see it too.
4.) The Hobbit-- I knew this movie would be in my top 5, but actually expected it to be higher on the list. It is a great film, as are the original LOTR trilogy. I just felt that Jackson brought in too much extra back story that was not part of the original book. Part of the greatness of the Hobbit is the ability to draw you into Middle Earth without quite so much of the darkness of LOTR. But in order to get three movies out of it, Jackson has added too mucch. Great movie, but too much.
3.) Silver Linings Playbook-- This movie is an Oscar Favorite, and deservedly so. I must say, as I was watching it, I kept telling myself I didn't like it much. At the same time I kept saying to myself how good the acting was. I'm still not sure I like all of the storyline, but by the end of the movie I so wanted a happy ending for Cooper and Lawrence's Characters. I really think this movie could sweep the Acting categories this year. Love this dance scene.
2.) Blue Like Jazz-- This amazing little independent movie is something you really need to see. The story of a Texas raised Christian boy who becomes disillusioned with the faith he was raised on, and goes in search of meaning in his life. This is a film that almost wasn't made, until a kickstarter project saved it.
1.) The Hunger Games-- Huge teen megahit. Although I usually don't include such trendy films on my top 5, I had to put this movie at #1 because, my lord, it amazed me. I was moved to tears several times during this show, It was amazingly good story telling, great acting, and really well made.
So there's my top five, hope you like them.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
2012 Year in Review Part 2: Top 5 CDs of 2012
2012 started out as a pretty pitiful year musically. The first half of the year did not offer a lot to a guy like me who is trying to make a top 5 list. In fact when you see my top five, four of them came out in September or later. The last third of the year offered some amazing music though, so let's dive into the top 5.
5.) Phillip Phillips-- The World From The Side Of The Moon. This debut album from 2012 American Idol winner is pretty amazing. The best Idol Winner debut since Carrie Underwood's Some Hearts. Phillip's voice is quirky, and not always perfect, but his style is great and his melodies infectious. He wrote or co-wrote over half the songs; and this collection really reflects an artist on the rise. (This December release bumped Taylor Swift off y top 5).
4.) Chelsea Moon-- Hymns Project, Vol. 2. Imagine getting a call from your metal-head brother-in-law telling you to go listen to this artist who is so great. Then imagine hearing the folk/bluegrass infused hymn arrangements of this CD. Couldn't believe the cool styles of this young woman's second collection of hymns. Even more surprising that my brother-in-law loved it, Not sure how early in the year this came out, but it is the only pre-September release on the countdown.
Now we come to the top three. These have been floating around as the top three for a couple months, trying to be put in order, but it really depends on my mood. All three are from veteran Christian artist that have not released a full studio album of original vocal work in over 10 years, and all are amazing comebacks. This is there order in my mind today, but lets just call them the top 3.
3.) Bryan Duncan-- Conversations. This project came about because of a group of fans (myself included) who pledged money through kickstarter to put this CD out. I am sure none of the backers are disappointed. Bryan's vocals are as smooth as they were back in the Sweet Comfort Band days, and his lyrics are more heartfelt and personal than ever. I could play this CD over and over for hours.
2.) Sixpence None The Richer-- Lost in Translation. When Sixpence broke up over a decade ago I was sad. They had always brought the alternative Christian music scene an aura of intelligence and beauty in their music that really couldn't be matched. When they got back together for a Christmas album a few years ago I was hoping a new project would follow I was not disappointed. These are some of the catchiest tunes the band has delivered, without losing any of the intelligence of their message,
1.) Charlie Peacock-- No Man's Land. After spending the last decade concentrating on producing other artists, and releasing a pair of jazz CDs, Christian music's thinker, Charlie Peacock, returns with an amazing collection of tunes infused with cajun and blue grass influences. So glad he is back. You must buy this album and play it often.
5.) Phillip Phillips-- The World From The Side Of The Moon. This debut album from 2012 American Idol winner is pretty amazing. The best Idol Winner debut since Carrie Underwood's Some Hearts. Phillip's voice is quirky, and not always perfect, but his style is great and his melodies infectious. He wrote or co-wrote over half the songs; and this collection really reflects an artist on the rise. (This December release bumped Taylor Swift off y top 5).
4.) Chelsea Moon-- Hymns Project, Vol. 2. Imagine getting a call from your metal-head brother-in-law telling you to go listen to this artist who is so great. Then imagine hearing the folk/bluegrass infused hymn arrangements of this CD. Couldn't believe the cool styles of this young woman's second collection of hymns. Even more surprising that my brother-in-law loved it, Not sure how early in the year this came out, but it is the only pre-September release on the countdown.
Now we come to the top three. These have been floating around as the top three for a couple months, trying to be put in order, but it really depends on my mood. All three are from veteran Christian artist that have not released a full studio album of original vocal work in over 10 years, and all are amazing comebacks. This is there order in my mind today, but lets just call them the top 3.
3.) Bryan Duncan-- Conversations. This project came about because of a group of fans (myself included) who pledged money through kickstarter to put this CD out. I am sure none of the backers are disappointed. Bryan's vocals are as smooth as they were back in the Sweet Comfort Band days, and his lyrics are more heartfelt and personal than ever. I could play this CD over and over for hours.
2.) Sixpence None The Richer-- Lost in Translation. When Sixpence broke up over a decade ago I was sad. They had always brought the alternative Christian music scene an aura of intelligence and beauty in their music that really couldn't be matched. When they got back together for a Christmas album a few years ago I was hoping a new project would follow I was not disappointed. These are some of the catchiest tunes the band has delivered, without losing any of the intelligence of their message,
1.) Charlie Peacock-- No Man's Land. After spending the last decade concentrating on producing other artists, and releasing a pair of jazz CDs, Christian music's thinker, Charlie Peacock, returns with an amazing collection of tunes infused with cajun and blue grass influences. So glad he is back. You must buy this album and play it often.
2012 Year in Review Part 1-- Runners up, also rans, and not even close
Wow, here we are in 2013, and none of my "year end blogs" have posted. Time is tight and I have had a lot on my mind, but I promise by the end of January to do all my 2012 in review posts. Today I will look at CDs and Movies that didn't make my top 5 lists (those will be here soon I promise).
Starting with the music, I begin with three CDs by favorite artists; these are all pretty good discs, but fail to make the cut due to the fact that nothing about them seems special, new or exciting. These three discs are Blown Away by Carrie Underwood, Miracle by Third Day, and RED by Taylor Swift. Again, these are all pretty good records, but just fail to blow my socks off, and just don't cut the mustard to make the top five,
Next on my list are a couple of really good EPs, Freaks by The Hawk in Paris and A Very Merry Perri Christmas by Christina Perri. Both of these EPs just sound amazing; Freaks is a three song follow up to 2011's His+Hers but at 3 songs it is just too short of a pleasure cruise to make my top 5 list. Christina Perri's Christmas CD is perhaps the best Christmas CD I have heard in years, but due to its seasonality, I couldn't put it on my top 5 of the year.
Lastly for music I present my #6 CD. It is the independent, Kickstarter-funded EP by Michelle Lynn Thompson-- Words That Fell. Thompson is half of the Indie Christian group The Wayside, and on this solo project she shows an amazing vocal talent, and some really inspiring, thoughtful lyrics. A late in the year release (as are most of the top 5) this is an indie project worth hunting for.
Now on to movies: It was an interesting year in film, with several surprises (and I'm sure my top 5 will also surprise you). Some films that probably belong in my top five, but are missing simply because I have not seen them (Lincoln comes to mind) and I am sorry for missing these. Let me start with the super hero movies, none of which made my final top 5. I will not comment on them more, but the big three fall in this order for me bottom to top: 3. Dark Knight Rises 2, The Amazing Spiderman 1. The Avengers. I will admit Avengers almost made the top 5.
Now for a few films that did not make the list, but I found surprisingly better than expected. Katy Perry- Part of Me, Pitch Perfect and Step Up Revolution. I had gone into these movies hoping to be mildly entertained for a couple hours, and ended up really enjoying them.
Finally three films that totally let me down. I went in with moderate to high hopes, and just left disappointed. These disappointments were Dark Shadows, Rock of Ages and The Apparition (okay I knew this horror flick starring Twilight's Ashley Greene would be bad, but didn't realize how much a movie could suck).
Top fives in movies and music, along with a special top five of the most attractive new females on TV will be coming soon. Stay here for the fun.
Starting with the music, I begin with three CDs by favorite artists; these are all pretty good discs, but fail to make the cut due to the fact that nothing about them seems special, new or exciting. These three discs are Blown Away by Carrie Underwood, Miracle by Third Day, and RED by Taylor Swift. Again, these are all pretty good records, but just fail to blow my socks off, and just don't cut the mustard to make the top five,
Next on my list are a couple of really good EPs, Freaks by The Hawk in Paris and A Very Merry Perri Christmas by Christina Perri. Both of these EPs just sound amazing; Freaks is a three song follow up to 2011's His+Hers but at 3 songs it is just too short of a pleasure cruise to make my top 5 list. Christina Perri's Christmas CD is perhaps the best Christmas CD I have heard in years, but due to its seasonality, I couldn't put it on my top 5 of the year.
Lastly for music I present my #6 CD. It is the independent, Kickstarter-funded EP by Michelle Lynn Thompson-- Words That Fell. Thompson is half of the Indie Christian group The Wayside, and on this solo project she shows an amazing vocal talent, and some really inspiring, thoughtful lyrics. A late in the year release (as are most of the top 5) this is an indie project worth hunting for.
Now on to movies: It was an interesting year in film, with several surprises (and I'm sure my top 5 will also surprise you). Some films that probably belong in my top five, but are missing simply because I have not seen them (Lincoln comes to mind) and I am sorry for missing these. Let me start with the super hero movies, none of which made my final top 5. I will not comment on them more, but the big three fall in this order for me bottom to top: 3. Dark Knight Rises 2, The Amazing Spiderman 1. The Avengers. I will admit Avengers almost made the top 5.
Now for a few films that did not make the list, but I found surprisingly better than expected. Katy Perry- Part of Me, Pitch Perfect and Step Up Revolution. I had gone into these movies hoping to be mildly entertained for a couple hours, and ended up really enjoying them.
Finally three films that totally let me down. I went in with moderate to high hopes, and just left disappointed. These disappointments were Dark Shadows, Rock of Ages and The Apparition (okay I knew this horror flick starring Twilight's Ashley Greene would be bad, but didn't realize how much a movie could suck).
Top fives in movies and music, along with a special top five of the most attractive new females on TV will be coming soon. Stay here for the fun.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Here comes the End of The Year
Well, it was a really rough year for me, sorry haven't blog in awhile. My mother-in-law and my dad both passed away this year, and so I have been slowly losing my mind while not blogging. But I want to assure I will be back for the year end wrap up. I will wrap up my bucket list (if we survive past the Mayan calendar disaster). I will have my iPod top 25 for 2012, and I will have my Top 5 CD's and Top 5 movies and a new Top 5...Top 5 most interesting New women on TV. So hey, if you'd like a mention in one of my year end blogs, comment on your favorites in any of my top categories.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Eulogy
Adrian DeVries was born in 1928, the third of six children. He grew up in Munster, Indiana. After High School he joined the Army and served in Korea between World War II and the Korean War.
After returning from the service he met Jeanne Bell; he proposed to her on April Fool’s day, and in September of 1949 he married her, on his birthday (a smart way to always remember your anniversary).
A year later they welcomed their son John into the world. At this point dad stopped smoking, a decision he never regretted. Two years later Gloria joined the family, followed by David three years later, and Sharon two years after that. And after eight years I came along. With a large family dad had to work quite hard to provide for his family. He was always a prudent man with his finances, and he always took care of his family.
As I was growing up, he had two jobs, and I remember him coming home from the gas company, and having to eat dinner quickly with the family before heading off for the evening to work at Sears. But there was always time with dinner for reading from the daily devotional. He would come home from work after my bed time, but he would always stop in my room to say goodnight. Despite long hours at work, dad always seemed to have time for the family. And on Sundays he and mom would always pile us into the car and take us to Church. Dad always instilled in us the importance of Church and a love of God.
When I think of Dad I think of a Godly man, and a man who fiercely loved his family. In 1973 mom fell and broke her hip, this lead to series of long hospital stays, and other broken bones. During this time we kids didn’t see as much of dad, because when he wasn’t at work, he was at mom’s side. Yet through this time dad always made sure we would get to church.
I’m not sure if my sisters or brothers experienced this, but there was a brief time when dad didn’t seem to know much, this was when I was in Junior High and high school. He just could never know or understand as much as I knew. When I went to college, it was amazing how much smarter dad got. And throughout my life since college my dad was always one of the wisest men I knew.
After retiring to California, Dad began to volunteer in the mail room for Mission Aviation Fellowship. This time of service for the Lord was one of his most cherished times of his life. Dad was a man who tried hard to let his life be an example of Godly living. And this is something that was seen by others. I want to share just a few of the comments I have received on facebook since dad’s passing:
“I know your dad was an admirable and beloved man who will be greatly missed”
“I always remember him as a kind gentle man”
“Your dad was always smiling anytime we visited...”
“Uncle Ade is at rest and in his place among the saints in heaven”
“We can rejoice in The Lord that he is up in heaven singing his heart out.”
It is hard to say goodbye. I will miss my dad. I will miss him calling me on a Sunday afternoon to let me know the Bears were winning. I will miss his strong hugs. I will miss his sharing what he has been learning in his Bible study group. I will miss his love.
But he is in a better place. And we can rejoice that we will see him again when our time here is through. This faith in the kingdom of God that is to come, this is dad’s greatest gift to his children, this is his legacy.
After returning from the service he met Jeanne Bell; he proposed to her on April Fool’s day, and in September of 1949 he married her, on his birthday (a smart way to always remember your anniversary).
A year later they welcomed their son John into the world. At this point dad stopped smoking, a decision he never regretted. Two years later Gloria joined the family, followed by David three years later, and Sharon two years after that. And after eight years I came along. With a large family dad had to work quite hard to provide for his family. He was always a prudent man with his finances, and he always took care of his family.
As I was growing up, he had two jobs, and I remember him coming home from the gas company, and having to eat dinner quickly with the family before heading off for the evening to work at Sears. But there was always time with dinner for reading from the daily devotional. He would come home from work after my bed time, but he would always stop in my room to say goodnight. Despite long hours at work, dad always seemed to have time for the family. And on Sundays he and mom would always pile us into the car and take us to Church. Dad always instilled in us the importance of Church and a love of God.
When I think of Dad I think of a Godly man, and a man who fiercely loved his family. In 1973 mom fell and broke her hip, this lead to series of long hospital stays, and other broken bones. During this time we kids didn’t see as much of dad, because when he wasn’t at work, he was at mom’s side. Yet through this time dad always made sure we would get to church.
I’m not sure if my sisters or brothers experienced this, but there was a brief time when dad didn’t seem to know much, this was when I was in Junior High and high school. He just could never know or understand as much as I knew. When I went to college, it was amazing how much smarter dad got. And throughout my life since college my dad was always one of the wisest men I knew.
After retiring to California, Dad began to volunteer in the mail room for Mission Aviation Fellowship. This time of service for the Lord was one of his most cherished times of his life. Dad was a man who tried hard to let his life be an example of Godly living. And this is something that was seen by others. I want to share just a few of the comments I have received on facebook since dad’s passing:
“I know your dad was an admirable and beloved man who will be greatly missed”
“I always remember him as a kind gentle man”
“Your dad was always smiling anytime we visited...”
“Uncle Ade is at rest and in his place among the saints in heaven”
“We can rejoice in The Lord that he is up in heaven singing his heart out.”
It is hard to say goodbye. I will miss my dad. I will miss him calling me on a Sunday afternoon to let me know the Bears were winning. I will miss his strong hugs. I will miss his sharing what he has been learning in his Bible study group. I will miss his love.
But he is in a better place. And we can rejoice that we will see him again when our time here is through. This faith in the kingdom of God that is to come, this is dad’s greatest gift to his children, this is his legacy.
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