The rise of the independent film...

So lately I have noticed that independent movies are gaining popularity. I am glad about this mainly because I live in Bakersfield, a town that only shows 3 kinds of movies in their theaters: films produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, romantic comedies starring unrealistically skinny women, and Spiderman films. Twice in the past 2 years Ellie and I have had the chance to see independent films that were in limited release while we were out of town. Both films (Little Miss Sunshine and Juno) eventually became big and came to town. But in both cases I am glad we got to see them when and where we did because its a completely different atmosphere. We saw Little Miss Sunshine at the Palm in San Luis and Juno in downtown San Diego. The best thing about both: at the end of the movie everyone clapped. They weren't clapping because the movie was good though, it was because everyone was proud of themselves for going and seeing an independent film in an old run down theater. At least this is my theory.
I did see an independent film in Bakersfield recently with my movie partner Phil called No Country for Old Men and the best part of this experience was that just before the it started I noticed we were sitting in a theater filled almost entirely with old people (fooled by the name I guess). It's funny to think that there are so many folks out there who go to movies without even reading a synopsis and just going off of the title. I'll never forget the day my grandparents told me how they went to see Sin City, probably the foulest and most gory movie I have ever sat through. I think they said something about figuring the movie was about Las Vegas, you know like some old Sinatra picture I guess. As with most independent films viewed in Bakersfield (including the ones that win every award on the planet for best screenplay) the crowd looked as if they would riot after the anti-climactic, subtle, unconventional ending in which nothing exploded, the guy did not get the girl, and there was no obvious lead in to a sequel. As we were walking out a very nice elderly woman, complete with oxygen tank asked Phil "So do you have any idea what that was all about?" As a result we got to have a great conversation with someone who we never would have interacted with at all, and she seemed to enjoy it as well. This is what I love about these kinds of movies. Instead of spoon feeding you with all of the answers to all of the questions that come up, they leave you doing the same thing you do when you read a book, you discuss it with others, and it often has a profound impact on you.
I had a student tell me about a year ago that Little Miss Sunshine was the most hilarious movie he had ever seen. I don't think I saw the same movie he did, because while it was great, it certainly wasn't the kind of film that was aimed at earning big laughs with big jokes. The thing I loved about that movie was how good it made me feel about some of the choices the characters eventually made in regard to learning how to be themselves and be content with the things life throws at you. It was a movie Ellie and I talked about for a while once it was over (after we finished applauding ourselves of course) and for this reason I hope Bakersfield sees more of these films in its theaters soon.

My One Political Blog, I Promise!

I was driving to school this week listening to some post-primary coverage on XM for about an hour straight they were jumping around to speeches that the different candidates were giving in light of how well they had done on "Super Tuesday." Not much of what they were saying was out of the ordinary, but one candidate did give a speech that night that I think helped me really get a good idea of what is making me feel a bit uneasy about some of the things that have been said during this election so far. It was Mitt Romney, and he was essentially doing the same thing as everyone else, making it clear what his priorities would be if he were elected. This was what he said:

"We face extraordinary challenges. I'm convinced -- and I mean this very sincerely -- I'm convinced that if Washington continues on its same course, America will emerge not as the great nation of the 21st century by the end, but as a second-tier power. It will passed by someone else. I can't tell you who it will be, but it would be passed by someone else. That will not happen."

I have been doing a lot of reading in the gospels recently and trying to figure out how Jesus' message and expectations would have applied to someone living in America today. All I have ever known is the safety and peace of mind that come with knowing that I live in the greatest superpower in the world. My country is the best. I know this and I love it. I would be stupid to want it any other way. We are prosperous, free, and safe. Whenever I actually get around to having kids (if anyone has a pop-up book on the topic I would love to borrow it, we aren't really sure how the whole process works) I take such great comfort and joy in knowing that my kids will be raised in such a great place. But to be honest I am so dependent on the benefits I enjoy from living in the world's greatest superpower, I often find more of my identity in that than I do in Christ. Simply put, I am an American first, and a Christian second. That might sound crazy to you, but that's what I hear in what Mitt Romney is saying here. He is one of the most devout candidates in the race, and his position is clear. And I don't think this is limited to the GOP. I hear the same things from the other side of the race as well.
If it's wrong to say that I am going to to whatever it takes to be the most powerful and the most prosperous person in the world, why is it ok to say that we should do whatever it takes to be the most powerful and prosperous country in the world? How does every other nation feel as they watch us proclaim that our first priority is to be better than them?
I was with some people a few weeks ago and the subject of the election and specifically illegal immigration came up. People were talking very passionately about how some of the candidates were not willing to do what it takes to secure our borders. People were talking about the best way to keep Mexicans out and at one point someone jokingly said we should just put snipers out to provide a "real" deterrent. Almost immediately after that, the subject turned to the Mexico missions trip I was in the process of planning for our church. Everyone was excited about the good things we would be doing for the poor and needy of Mexico. I see a pretty big disconnect here. We are allowed to be selfish and protective of our country, but as a church and as individuals we are supposed to be different. We are supposed to put the needs of others before our own. I don't see how we can pursue two goals: being the best and strongest country in the world, and showing the rest of the world a Christlike humility and a desire to place the needs of others above our own. This might sound a little radical but I can't help but feel uneasy about being led by anyone who wants first and foremost to be the best, the richest and the most powerful. I think Jesus would have preferred that we be known as the most generous, loving and (dare I say it) mediocre.

My Sweet New Job

So the other day I was browsing through the vintage fitted muscle polos at Abercrombie & Fitch when an employee approached and offered me a job application. She said there were two requirements for the job, I had to be unusually good looking (no problem there) and be a good folder. So I took the job figuring it would only increase my opportunity for local high school ministry. Here is a picture from my first day of work, I started doing crunches recently and I think its really beginning to show. (and yes that is Dave Rook in the background)

I love my wife...

I don't totally understand how the whole blog thing works. I guess I take the same boring thoughts that run through my head all day long, and make them public so that when your job gets tedious enough you can take a break from it and have something to read online. I myself spend about 65% of the average workday watching movie trailers online, looking up things on wikipedia and determining what color I will paint my office next. I do leave my office occasionally but it is usually only to wander to a window to see if the construction workers have done anything interesting, or to walk over to Mr. Gowling's side of the building to cool myself by the icy-arctic blast of air that shoots from beneath his office door (I have inserted a picture for visual aide). But seriously though, his office is very cold and I point this out each time I enter it. Ok so that is all a bit of an exaggeration, contrary to popular belief youth pastors do actually work and don't just sit around watching youtube all day. But needless to say I can still relate to the kind of boredom that might compel you to read my blog, and therefore I hope my thoughts can offer the much needed distraction that will enable you to be more productive during the rest of the day.
Since I haven't really had anything very interesting happen to me recently that is worth blogging, I am just going to talk about how great my wife is. Ellie is great. I appreciate her very much and I definitely don't tell her that as much as I should. I am thinking it all the time, but I am not very good as saying it. But before you go judging me, just hang on a second, because you probably don't tell her enough either. Ok well her mom tells her all the time so Cheryl if you are reading this, it doesn't apply to you. Now that I think about it so do her sisters, so Megan and Molly you're off the hook as well. As for everyone else, the next time you see Ellie you should really think about telling her how great you think she is. I know you think it, you know you think it, and yes thats right, I know you think it. Feel free to comment on this blog with something you think is great about Ellie. If you are Mark Chambless your comment should look something like this: "I like that Ellie hasn't killed me yet, even though I deserve it for being Mark Chambless." I'm just kidding Mark. I am planning on joining the force with you if you still want to clean up the streets together. Well if you got nothing else out of this blog I hope you were reminded to tell your wife (or mine) how much you appreciate her.