Saturday, February 28, 2015

Another Plug for "Old Fashioned"

So, here's another plug for the indie film, "Old Fashioned." It's playing at the Celebration Cinema Rivertown (southwest of Grand Rapids) and other, selected theaters.

I'm really encouraging folks to see this film because it's an indie one - and is up against Hollywood-type competitors who have massive advertising budgets. So it's extremely important to see it, and then spread the word!

It's a well made, beautifully crafted film with an enchanting, and refreshing take on relationships.
Here's the trailer.

Old Fashioned - Trailer

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Old Fashioned - The Movie

There's a film out that premiered over Valentine's Weekend.

Old Fashioned is simply one of the most endearing independent films I've ever seen. It's refreshing in it's portrayal of a guy who actually stands up for respecting women. Enough so that he actively resists the female lead's romantic advances, steering their fledging relationship along the lines of getting to know each other as two individuals first. In fact, the male lead doesn't believe in dating, at all.

If this sounds corny or simplistic or overly-preachy, I assure you. It's not. Old Fashioned states the case for getting to know someone for who they are in an intensely interesting, thought-provoking and challenging way - all the time being romantic without being blatant about it.

Maybe I just don't see enough films, but it's been a very, very long time since one came along like this one.

Kudos to everyone involved!

Please don't take my word for it. Check out the movie site for yourself.

Old Fashioned: The Movie

Sunday, February 15, 2015

New 20 Short Ones Video!


This is my first 20 Short Ones video! I hope you enjoy it.
And speaking of 20 Short Ones, you can enter a Goodreads giveaway to win a free copy, now through April 1.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19512148-20-short-ones?from_search=true

Friday, February 6, 2015

From Alexandra Petri - Obits: Speaking plain of the dead



Here's something from Alexandra Petri who writes for the Washington Post. When you find good writing, it's fun to share it. (Her column is called ComPost).

This particular piece is Petri's take on obituaries of men, written in response to the recent passing of Colleen McCullough.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/compost/wp/2015/01/30/obituaries-for-men/



Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Youth Orchestra in Chile Helps Overcome Poverty

If you want to be inspired today, please take a look at this beautiful video featuring a youth orchestra movement in Chile. It's about 8 minutes long but well worth the time! Just click on the link below:

Youth Orchestra in Chile

Monday, February 2, 2015

A Winter's Inconvenience


Here's the view outside the living room window this morning.

We received well over a foot of snow since yesterday morning. It came down silent and thick, covering everything. The winter sun this afternoon, against a brilliant blue sky is a gorgeous accent.

Of course, I wasn't thinking of this when I first walked out my side door to shovel it. In fact, it was shocking to see how much had fallen overnight.

I wasn't looking forward to the task of clearing the snow from my driveway - the portion that's closest to the side door and house had formed a convenient alley for the wind to do its work of forming drifts.

Slowly after working through the hardest part and getting closer to the sidewalk and street beyond came the payoff. And it wasn't the payoff I had expected.

Two houses down a neighbor was taking photos of the snow, while another neighbor across the street tried to pull out his car and drive his wife somewhere. After a moment of watching tires spinning I began to walk towards his car to offer a push. But he gave up and drove back into the driveway.

His wife went back inside their home, but he got out of the car, thanked me and engaged the neighbor in conversation. Eventually, I also added a nod or a word. And a winter's inconvenience became an opportunity to encourage the growth of community on our street.

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!

Pinocchio: Art Credit, Disney If ever there were a time for a national "Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire" award, it's now. And certai...