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Q&A with the Author
What are your most favorite and least favorite films? Favorite directors? Is Hollywood really hostile toward Christianity? What's it like to die? Scott answers these and more.
Do you have a question for Scott? Ask him, and maybe your question will be posted here with Scott's answer.
- Your website, Good News Film Reviews, states it has "Christian film reviews." What is a Christian film review?
About the Book
- The book seems to be specifically written for Christians. Do you mean to only speak to them, or can non-Christians enjoy the book as well?
- The book covers a number of different character types, called archetypes – the hero, the villain, the femme fatale, etc. What are some others archetypes?
On "Christian Film"
On Our Culture
On Hollywood and Christianity
- You claim that when the Catholic Church is unfairly attacked in the media all Christians should react as if they were also attacked. Why is this?
- Why does the entertainment industry seem to have so little concern over insulting Christians but will walk on eggshells with other religious groups? For example, Comedy Central bleeped out references to Muhammad in the same episode they accused Jesus Christ of watching Internet porn. Why the double-standard?
- And looking at things from the other side, why do you think Christians are always on the defensive when it comes to the Arts? There always seems to be a protest or some group complaining.
On the Entertainment Industry
- You attack the Motion Picture Association of America and its Ratings System. You say they're not helpful. According to the MPAA's own statistics, more than 70% of people polled say the ratings do help. How can you say they're not helpful?
- You complain about corporate control over the film industry saying that it has lead American cinema to become little more than a marketing arm of corporations. Other than corporate control, how else do you expect films to receive large distribution?
On Agendas in Films
- You discuss agendas in movies. Are they intentional or do filmmakers put their agendas in by accident?
- You claim all movies have a message in them, even the dumb ones like Austin Powers, Dumb & Dumber, and The Jerk. How can something made just for entertainment have a message?
- Many Christians think of The Matrix as having Christian undertones. In your book you criticize this. Why?
- You explain that movies are used to forward social agendas like secularism, homosexuality, and global warming. Isn't "Christian film" the same thing? Another group pushing their agenda?
On Watching Movies
- You thoroughly explain stories in the book. Do you really expect the average audience member to think about all of that when they watch a movie?
- You warn against Christians being too restrictive in their choices of movies. People only watching Rated-G or PG movies, for example. What's wrong with avoiding temptation?
- What of guilty pleasures? Is it okay for Christians to watch movies they know they probably shouldn't like?
- In the book you claim rough language, nudity and violence are acceptable for Christians to watch. How is this biblical?
On Honoring Christ
- You call for Christians to be more active the film industry and the Arts in general. Are you saying Christian artists aren't involved already?
How many movies do you watch a week?
On average I watch about 4-5 movies a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less. It depends on my general workload. In turn, I write between 3-5 reviews a week.
What directors and actors do you like?
My favorite directors are Krzysztof Kieslowski, Akira Kurosawa, and Stanley Kubrick. I think there are some interesting directors out there today, but they are often hindered by the studios or get too political for my tastes.
Actors? I don't tend to "like" actors but rather like their performances. Actors often work at the whim of the project. There are plenty of great actors who just get saddled in bad movies. I will say that I believe Daniel Day-Lewis is the best actor out there right now.
What are some of your favorite movies?
I'm a film geek, so I like film geek stuff. There are the usual picks, like CitizenKane, Casablanca, Godfather Part II, Lawrence of Arabia and whatnot. If I only had a handful of movies I could watch for the rest of my life, I would have to pick Raiders of the Lost Ark, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Rashomon (by Japanese director Kurosawa), and the Dekalog series by Krzysztof Kieslowski, a polish director.
Raiders of the Lost Ark is almost perfect. Yes, Indiana Jones travels across the world on the outside of a submarine – forget about that. It was the perfect coalescence of some of the most creative men working in the upper tier of the business at the time. Lawrence Kasdan's script is a manual on how to write a screenplay. No space is wasted and all the scenes begin when they should begin and end when they should end. The dialog is taut and direct. The characterization is organic and compelling. The actors had plenty of room to work and ply their trade. Harrison Ford and Karen Allen both deserve more credit for their work. The two were a natural couple and meshed wonderfully. Ford's iconic performance is a standard for Hollywood leading men in action films. All of this and it is one heck of a movie. It lost Best Picture to Chariots of Fire – it shouldn't have.
What are your least favorite movies?
To be honest, of all the movies I've ever seen I have to say that Avatar is the worst – hands down, no competition.
In my original review of the film on my site GoodNewsFilmReviews.com, I got hammered when I claimed it was a worse movie than Troll II or even Kazaam–where Shaquille O'Neal plays a genie who comes out of a boom box. How can Avatar be worse than these? Simple. The people who worked on Kazaam–or any other bad movie you want to pick–when they made it, none of them ever claimed to be making a masterpiece. No one claimed their film was top-level stuff. Avatar did. It was made out to be this great masterwork, a film for the ages, but it was deplorably written and only moderately well acted. It's a mess of a movie. Yes, it's a visual treat, but so is a really fancy screensaver. Great special effects, beautiful scenery, but a plain ol' bad movie. If this had been the fourth or fifth big 3D, photo-realistic CGI movie to be released, it would have been no big deal.
Also, the cultural messages in the film are disgusting. There is almost nothing about his film that makes it worth seeing, even for free.
Which movies are you looking forward to seeing this year?
I have to admit I want to see Iron Man II. I saw the first one and thought that for what it was, it was exceptional – again, for what it was.
I am also looking forward to see what Ridley Scott will do with Robin Hood. Scott has a mixed record so we'll see about that one. The Expendables is coming out in August, that will be a big, goofy shoot-em-up. Other than that, no. This is the summer of nothing special. Most of the releases are sequels, remakes, or just plain silly.
In your book you talk about your near-death experience. What was it like to die?
I did die, my heart stopped and the whole ten yards. In the book I describe when I had a heart attack and keeled over at the bank. No, I didn't see a shaft of light or anything like that. The bits I do remember are like a dream where I was talking to myself. There was a lot of blue light, and every once in a while someone's face would come into view.
After being brought back and having the pacemaker put in, there was a long bout of depression, which I found out is common. There is also a change in viewpoint as well–which is one of the reasons I finished the book. I don't think I could have finished it without dying first. Being a corpse for a while is a great motivator to get things off your to-do list. [For more on his experience, see Sample Chapter 1 of You Are What You See.]
You're a film critic. Are there any kinds of movies you avoid?
I have to watch a great deal of material I would otherwise avoid. It's a part of the job. I try to avoid the strong violence and sex stuff as much as I can. I will watch something like Saw if I think there's a cultural issue that I need to investigate. I certainly don't recommend it to anyone else and I try to keep myself in check if I do watch something sorted. Remember, you can't unwatch anything.
How did you become a film critic?
There is an old adage, "Those who can't do, teach." In the Arts it often ends up, "Those who can't do, criticize." I began writing online reviews on my personal blog in 2004—originally to amuse myself while I wrote screenplays. I was more successful at writing reviews than getting other writing gigs, so I went with what worked.
After my conversion to Christ, I began refocusing my work to a Christian perspective and began to realize that while Christian filmmakers were well-intentioned most were not able to create quality works. The genre was glutted with saccharine sentimentality put to film. Instead of an exciting collection of weighty, inspiring films, we have obtuse propaganda pieces. I wanted to change that. I also knew that the average movie critic is ambivalent or even openly hostile to the Christian worldview. I felt "our side" needed a stronger voice, one that was unafraid to be assertive, even sarcastic when called for.
Your website, Good News Film Reviews, states it has "Christian film reviews." What is a Christian film review?
It's an identifier. I'm a Christian. I accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, therefore my reviews come from a Christian perspective. I don't proselytize through my reviews, but I do acknowledge that my faith does inform my opinions. This is different from many other reviewers. If I think my faith is coloring my opinion, I'll admit it upfront so my reader knows—not because I'm ashamed of my faith but because I think it's best to let people know where I'm coming from. If they concur with my worldview, they'll find solace in my point-of-view. If they disagree with my faith, at least I'm giving them full disclosure so they can make up their mind from an informed position.
Why did you write You Are What You See?
This book is my Christian Cinema manifesto, my attempt to teach Christians and others to identify and support good cinema.
I've always loved movies. I've been reading about them and writing screenplays since I was a kid. When I became a Christian, I delved into what's known as "Christian film." I was left largely underwhelmed.
The fact that independent filmmakers were making low grade productions did not shock me as much as it did to learn that Christian audiences are so willing to accept those sub-par productions–especially considering that those productions were intend to glorify Christ.
As I learned more about the story of the Bible, I learned how well it meshed with what I already knew about story structure. I saw a way, a relatively simple way, for Christians to have a standard by which to judge movies and other forms of entertainment. With an identifiable standard, they can make demands of filmmakers and make the artists work towards their expectations. It's the best situation for both audience and artist.
So, I wrote this book as a means of introducing Christians to the medium of film and to get them to adopt a more critical approach to film and the Arts. This is my call for Christians to retake the culture and turn us back to the Lord.
The book seems to be specifically written for Christians. Do you mean to only speak to them, or can non-Christians enjoy the book as well?
It is true that the book is specifically written for Christians–there's a reason the subtitle is "Watching Movies Through a Christian Lens." That said, there's a lot of content that non-believers can use. And the book is not wall-to-wall Bible-banging.
- I get into the sociological aspects of watching movies, how they impact us on both individual and cultural levels.
- I lay out the structure of Story and films, including character archetypes.
- I discuss corporate influence on the film industry and how this has led us astray as a people.
These are topics that impact all readers despite their theological position.
The title of your book, You Are What You See, what does it mean?
The title is a play on the often misquoted line from the late-18th/early-19th century food critic Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin: "Tell me what you eat and I will tell you which you are." I explain in the book that the content you consume in the media impacts your soul no differently than how what you eat impacts your physical health. Someone who watches nothing but slasher movies is going to become corrupt in the same way someone who only eats fast food burgers is going to become a bloated mess.
What should a reader hope to get from your book?
My book will show you that movies are an important part of our culture and therefore an important part of your life. In the book, I explain how films alter how we see our world, and I reveal how they are intentionally used for that purpose. I delve into how audiences can be manipulated by filmmakers to believe a variety of ideas, but I also give ways to overcome this influence. I guarantee, when you're done reading my book you won't watch movies the same way again. You'll be a much better audience member.
The book covers a number of different character types, called archetypes – the hero, the villain, the femme fatale, etc. What are some others archetypes?
An archetype is a kind of character, like you said. For example, Princess Leia is a damsel—or damsel in distress, if you will. She fits a type—the virginal princess locked in the tower that the hero comes and rescues.
Other types include the mentor–an Obi-Wan Kenobi/Gandalf character–an old man or woman who trains the hero of the story. The mentor shows the hero how to survive the journey and how to defeat the villain.
On the bad guy's side you have what I call the Secondary Antagonist. This is the heavy. The villain always has a big physical threat, a thug, he unleashes on the hero towards the end of the story. This is the Kraken in the second Pirates of the Caribbean movie or Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode One.
Can you explain your term "Disposable Paradise"?
I use the term in the book to describe the false world that marketing campaigns have painted for us. Go to your grocery store and pause for a moment, look at the messages you're getting from the marketing all around you. If you buy this, you'll be happy. If you eat this, you'll look like this. Do this, and this will happen. It all merges together to form a false reality that we are forced to contend with every day. It's more than just our own expectations being heightened by all of this marketing–our expectations of others are also impacted.
Beyond all of the commercials and whatnot there is also our media, film, television, books, video games. They all paint this unrealistic picture of the world that we ingest daily. It is a false paradise where we are always on the outside looking in. It is a collective mirage leading nowhere.
Does what you outline in your book also extend to television and other media?
Absolutely. Any medium that relies on Story is impacted by what is laid out in the book. Movies, TV shows, commercials, books, even video games and the jokes we tell are all touched by the structure of Story.
How do you define Christian film?
It depends on the context. I use it broadly to identify what I think people traditionally consider to be the Christian film genre—films made by Christians about Christians for Christians.
I also use the term to discuss what I'm hoping will come from artists who read my book and my books to come. Christian film, not as something made specifically for Christians, but something made by a Christian author or artist—a film that expresses the faith without being overbearing or merely propaganda. Stories that let faith, our morality, stand as an example.
Do you like Christian film?
Not as a rule. I don't have anything against Christians making movies for Christians. I do have a problem with Christians making lousy movies for Christians. We don't honor God by making bad movies.
Most people see Christian film as childish, low quality propaganda pieces. For the most part, they are. I am much more interested in Christian filmmakers making high-quality films that contain Truth than I am in Christians making Christian films.
You're pretty rough on the Christian film industry. Do you not like "Christian film"?
As a rule they really don't give me much to like. I know I sound negative, but I'm a film critic. What do you want? A majority of Christian films are not very good. It's an ugly fact but a fact just the same. Now, in their defense, a majority of independent films are lousy regardless of their theological outlook, and Christian films as a group are getting better – not just technologically but also in their execution.
I respect the urge to make Christian films. I respect the hard work; making a movie is a brutal process and it eats up resources and time. I would love to say that Christians lead the field and are producing works that will support our society. That is one of the reasons I wrote this book, to hopefully prompt artists to begin making the needed changes so that Christians become the leaders they should be.
Which Christian films do you like?
It depends, again, on how you define "Christian film." Of the traditional flock of films that are part of the Christian film genre, there are very few I can recommend. I'd rather look at the larger expanse of the Art and find films that inform about biblical beliefs and standards and that propel audience members toward God and moral living. In my opinion, films like Schindler's List or Crazy Heart are more "Christian" that many Christian films.
If you mean Christian films that show Christians in action, living the faith? Beyond the Gates of Splendor, The Hiding Place, The Heart of Texas, or even Magnolia. Many people would question Magnolia, but Jim Kurring (John C. Reilly) is one of my favorite fictional portrayals of a Christian living his faith.
If, however, you mean a film that specifically cites Christ as our Savior and urges a conversion? There are few that are worth seeing because they tend to be very heavy handed. Let me say, though, that I exempt a film like The Jesus Movie which is a specific mission tool used in a coordinated presentation within a support program–and has significantly brought change to thousands of lives around the world.
Why do Christian films have the reputation for being low quality?
Generally, because Christian films are low quality.
First, they are independent films. This means limited budgets, limited resources, limited distribution. They tend to not pull a lot of attention and to not be very profitable. There are exceptions, but as a rule you don't get your money back. With that business model, most Christian film projects are done as labors of love–which can be good. I prefer someone makes a movie to tell a story or express themselves rather than just to turn a buck. The problem with labors of love, though, is that they usually have very limited audiences and restricted resources.
Another difference between Christian films and even other independent films is that Christian audiences are too accommodating. In Christian films, it's too often more important that there be a religious conversion during the final act rather than have realistic characters and dialogue. The Christian film genre has not had to impress an audience like is required of other indie films. In this way there are similarities between Christian films and the schlock viewed by horror movie audiences.
You paint a bleak picture of our culture. Do you really think it's that bad?
It is bad. Think about what we're dealing with. We have porn on-demand on TV, computers, even on our darn phones. Pornographic imagery and references are causally displayed in commercials during prime time. Our music and film industries have become stagnant–they're relying on rehashing nonsense from the last thirty years. I honestly think if we're not at the bottom of the barrel we are very close. You can't debase culture more and still have a culture to speak of.
We're stuck in this horrible loop right now where we recycle the same cultural nonsense of the late sixties. We've barely moved forward at all since that time. Where are our great artists? Real artists, not just people who like to express themselves. Where are the artists who have something worth saying and say it very well?
We can change where we are. Listen, the culture is stagnant. All it takes to get things moving is for some people to start making waves. If we can create some waves, we can get this cultural stream flowing again.
Is there a specific time when you feel our culture began to decline?
It goes back to the turn of the last century, with particular attention to the 1930s. As far as the real mess, we've been decimated by the idiocy that defines the 1960s. The longer we continue on the path laid by the Baby Boomers, the weaker and dumber we'll become. The best thing today's generation of kids—the grandchildren of the Baby Boomers—can do is to follow Baby Boomer advice and completely disregard the morality of their grandparents.
For those who want to change our culture, the average person, what can they do?
Take responsibility for yourself and your family. Take your life seriously. Take your time seriously—stop giving it away to people who only want to waste it.
For one week—just seven days—turn off the TV, no talk radio, no newspapers. Cut yourself off. One week.
Week two, think about what else you're doing. Give yourself two hours a day of any media. That's it, two hours a day. Keep to it. You'll find out by the end of the week that most of what you were taking in was trash and unnecessary for you to enjoy life. You'll also find you have more time. You'll fill that wasted time with other activities—which is what used to be called "having a life." If everyone did this, our culture would drastically change overnight.
In a perfect world, how do you see Christian and secular cultures co-existing?
Christian and non-Christian artists should be able to exist in the same way as Christian and non-Christian construction workers. That's about as simple as I can put it.
Christians need to have the space and freedom to express themselves as openly and freely as non-believers. Conversely, we Christians need to allow that there are an awful lot of people who do not agree with us. These people may be lost in our eyes but they are still permitted to express themselves.
I would like to see more Christians in the public square just being Christian, leading by example. I'd also like to see morality and common decency make a comeback. This is something I think will naturally occur with a movement toward more and stronger Christian artists.
You claim that when the Catholic Church is unfairly attacked in the media all Christians should react as if they were also attacked. Why is this?
Many in the film industry who attack Catholics have no deep regard for the intricacies of denomination. In many cases the Catholic Church is attacked simply because it's, first off, present in so many areas of the world, and also because it has a deep history in Western Civilization. And then, too, there's the fact that it has men and women dressed in uniforms—they're easy to spot. If you're attacking the faith, it's easier to just pummel on a priest because all you have to do is show the collar and your point is made. How do you do that with a Baptist minister? Show a guy with bad hair and an ugly sweater? It's not nearly as easy. Unless specific sins are mentioned, i.e. the homosexual priest–child rape cases, the point is usually to smear all Christians, Catholic or otherwise.
Why is Hollywood so seemingly hostile to Christians?
Hollywood, meaning the entire film industry, is not hostile to Christianity. There are active, faithful Christians in all ranks of the industry.
Are there very loud voices that feel comfortable trashing Christians and Christ? Absolutely. But the film industry is a large place and there are lots of viewpoints. Of the religions, it's Christianity which takes the most hits, whether in film or on TV. I don't think this can be denied. When you have Jesus consistently mocked on South Park and Family Guy and what's become a tradition of anti-Christian films, there certainly appears to be a part of the industry which feels compelled to attack us.
Why do they do it? It depends on which attack you want to focus on. To be very frank, there is a lot of immorality across the entertainment industry, and it's more open and more easily accepted than in most other parts of the nation. The immoral are consistent about one thing: they hate being reminded that there is morality. I think this has a good deal to do with the attacks. There are also competing theological groups—pagans, Scientologists, humanists, Jews, and a wide range of Christian denominations—all battling for the same space and resources. That could play into it, as well.
Why does the entertainment industry seem to have so little concern over insulting Christians but will walk on eggshells with other religious groups? For example, Comedy Central bleeped out references to Muhammad in the same episode they accused Jesus Christ of watching Internet porn. Why the double-standard?
Christians lack bombs. I joke, but it's true. There is genuine fear—and after the murder of Theo Van Gogh, a legitimate fear—of violence from the Muslim community.
Beyond that, I think the casual attacks can come from familiarity. Most filmmakers who work in the industry in the U. S. are Westerners—from the U.S., Canada, Mexico. They were raised in somewhat-Christian societies. They know the faith, at least in general terms. Other faiths—Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism—these are more foreign theologies, literally, for many of these artists as well as for their audiences. That being the case, they have a distance that lends itself to some courtesy—much in the same way I'm far more likely to insult my own brother than I am your brother.
The other issue I think Christians need to be adult enough to admit is that, in a good many instances, we really have it coming. Speaking as an adult convert to Christianity, I have to tell you, some Christians are just plain goofy. I love my brothers and sisters, but that doesn't mean you don't leave me shaking my head sometimes.
And looking at things from the other side, why do you think Christians are always on the defensive when it comes to the Arts? There always seems to be a protest or some group complaining.
We've become too reliant on protesting and whining instead of proposing alternatives. Often our protests only serve as free marketing for film distributors. Someone who is willing to make a production that is so insulting to the faith that it brings people out to protest, is the same kind of person who will wear our indignation as a badge of honor.
I think that Christians protest and whatnot because they don't know what else to do. They scream outside a movie theater and feel like they've done something. They did do something, just not something productive. In some respects, the final result really ends up being points lost. Protesting becomes the focus instead of getting real change.
You attack the Motion Picture Association of America and its Ratings System. You say they're not helpful. According to the MPAA's own statistics, more than 70% of people polled say the ratings do help. How can you say they're not helpful?
They give the illusion of helping. The MPAA has these broad, essentially meaningless ratings that leave the impression they're doing something to help society when, in fact, all they're doing is providing cover for an industry that has gotten progressively more irresponsible since the ratings inception.
Can you tell me the difference between PG and PG-13? PG-13 and R?
They mean nothing beyond very loose guidelines regarding some content.
You bash the ratings system. Can you give a example of why you're against the ratings?
There's a concept known as "ratings creep." We've all seen it happen during our lifetimes. What was Rated R ten years ago is now PG-13. What was once PG-13 is now PG, and so on. We've been on this trajectory during the last fifty years—where content gets worse and worse, the stories more and more nihilistic and ugly.
I put a good deal of blame for this on the Ratings System. Before the Ratings System there was the Production Code. The Code wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it did layout some rules for filmmakers and producers. You can show this, you will avoid showing this under these circumstances, etc. The industry did away with the Code and said, 'You know what? We're no longer responsible for what we do if we can find an audience for it.' Buyer beware.
This, on one hand, allowed for a broader scope of expression and led to an American cinematic renaissance in the 1970s. But it also opened the door for low-lifes to tickle audiences' basest desires. We got Godfather, Network, and Star Wars but we also got Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Debbie Does Dallas.
You complain about corporate control over the film industry saying that it has lead American cinema to become little more than a marketing arm of corporations. Other than corporate control, how else do you expect films to receive large distribution?
Go online and you'll see the future of distribution. As technology advances, the old systems of filmmaking will recede because they're just not going to be viable. Heck, they're not viable now in many instances. Studios are always just a few films away from going belly up.
I honestly believe we are on the dawn of new medium. Like the early days of film or television where it took a while for artists to find their bearings, the Golden Age of the internet has yet to come. If you think data and content flows fast and free now, give it another five years.
How will the Internet change the film industry in the next five to ten years?
Dramatically—no pun intended. As speed increases and 3D comes to small screens and as filmmaking technologies catch up with the demand of amateur filmmakers, you'll see the large corporations having less and less input. The corporations that run the studios now have short sold themselves. During our lifetime, they have rehashed and remade the same junk from our pasts and they've stopped trying to innovate and expand. That's why we have the lousy release schedule we've had over the past few years.
Online, somewhere, is the next Spielberg, and he or she is going to be able to reach millions on almost no budget with little or no marketing. Once that budding, new Orson Welles emerges, the game will change. This generation coming up will oversee the alteration of this society and that includes the Arts. Lord, help them, because they're going to need it if they want to do it right.
You discuss agendas in movies. Are they intentional or do filmmakers put their agendas in by accident?
Movies wear their agendas on their sleeve if they intend to push a line of thinking. I don't think anyone is leaving Avatar without catching the point that colonialism and militarism is bad, and that running around in a tribal, pre-technological society is a positive thing. James Cameron, in this instance, knew he was hammering against capitalism and what he perceives to be racism.
There are things that filmmakers can include that they may not realize—how they portray certain races, economic groups, men versus women, that kind of thing. As far as identifiable social agendas? It is intentional.
You claim all movies have a message in them, even the dumb ones like Austin Powers, Dumb & Dumber, and The Jerk. How can something made just for entertainment have a message?
Every film—just like every painting, every book, every work of art—has a worldview it imparts to the viewer. Even films that seem to offer nothing, like the ones you've listed, promote the filmmaker's view of the world. Dumb and Dumber, for example. What's forwarded there? Well, friendship is important, stealing is immoral—Harry and Lloyd offer I.O.U.s for every dollar of the ransom money they spend. There are other moral issues explored in the film, as well; quite a number of them actually.
It doesn't matter that we would like for movies to be meaningless. They can't be. Humans are involved, so their philosophies are at play as well. If films have no inherent moral consequence, then why is pornography so bad? Why does it corrode people so quickly? Porn films don't intend to give moral lessons or discuss the finer points of philosophy, yet we all know they're debasing and devalue humanity.
What are some movies that push an agenda or philosophy which most people probably don't realize?
There were a good number of messages in Avatar which I found out most people didn't consider. There's the anti-military angle. And Cameron replicates the fall of the Twin Towers when the tree is toppled. The film aggressively promotes paganism and ancestral worship—easy for many Christians to spot, but most people surprisingly seem to have ignored it.
A large number of films over the last fifty years have cast America as the villain, have degraded capitalism and profit-making. Many times these are done without being overt. The business man is devilish, the military man is a thick-headed brute, and so on.
Many Christians think of The Matrix as having Christian undertones. In your book you criticize this. Why?
The Wachowski Brothers, who made the movie, borrow Christian elements and clearly cast the hero, Neo, in a Christ- role. They are simply borrowing those elements, however. Any pressure on the symbolism of those elements makes their meaning fall apart. Also, if for no other reason, Christians should be hesitant to embrace a film in which the characters explain that the general public is "lost" and promote gunning them down in cold-blood as acceptable.
You explain that movies are used to forward social agendas like secularism, homosexuality, and global warming. Isn't "Christian film" the same thing? Another group pushing their agenda?
Yes. There is little difference–and that is one of the problems I have with "Christian film" in its current form. Films generally will not work as mission tools–we've had Christian film for decades and the results would be obvious if they did. Yes, some people have been moved by a movie, but those are exceptions to the norm and the results are usually short-term and not pronounced.
I do, however, exempt a film like The Jesus Movie which is a specific mission tool used in a coordinated presentation and support program–and has significantly changed thousands of lives around the world. The run-of-the-mill Christian film, however, merely reinforces whatever theological point the filmmaker wants to make–correct or not, biblical or not. This is propaganda for the anointed. That is why we must have less focus on the creation of Christian art and more focus on creating Christian artists. Nurture the trees and they will bear good fruit.
You thoroughly explain stories in the book. Do you really expect the average audience member to think about all of that when they watch a movie?
I cover a lot of information in my book, and it may seem like people wouldn't be able to absorb it all. I've taught this content—have explained it to many people—and over and over again I see that most people catch on quickly because most of it is stuff we all instinctively know. You recognize archetypes and the story structure I explain in the book like you know North, South, East and West just by being here. It's in your bones. It's a part of being human. I just remind you that you know it.
That's why in my book I warn that I will change the way you watch movies. I seriously warn people. Once I show you the parts of a movie, why things are in there, you can't help but notice them. As a film geek, it's my bread and butter.
What do you say to people who excuse their viewing habits by saying "it's only a movie"?
I say they are being lazy. If the movie is so meaningless, then why are you watching it? What does that say about you? Do you have so little regard for your precious time on this Earth that you're fine with utterly wasting it on nothing? Why not just watch paint dry? Of course it's always more than a movie. Every movie has a point, a worldview.
You warn against Christians being too restrictive in their choices of movies. People only watching Rated-G or PG movies for example. What is wrong with avoiding temptation?
There are those who do have issues they need to address and I would never deny them the right to avoid undoing themselves. Some people can't handle on-screen sexuality, others can't handle violence. It's vital that we each keep a close eye on our souls, so there's nothing wrong with avoiding temptation—if you're actually avoiding being tempted. I find a number of people, however, avoid movies because they take some pride in being divorced from modern culture. It has less to do with being tempted and more to do with making yourself out to be too good for media.
There's a trade off that needs to be addressed. People who avoid media can't be a part of normal society. They cloister themselves. Again, some people should be. Most however? I question the wisdom and in some cases the morality of avoiding culture for the sake of being comfortable.
Do you think it is sinful to watch horror movies?
Not in itself. It can be sinful depending on one's reaction to the content. If you go in knowing you'll be enticed by the violence or if you find sexual pleasure in seeing others in pain—I know that sounds sick, but it's a serious issue for some people—then, yes, it is sinful. The work of art is not sinful. It is the audience member who sins when they disregard God's teaching on the appropriate way to satisfy whatever personal interest they have in the content.
I will say that horror movies obviously tend to have demonic themes and this is never something you want to mess around with.
How can someone tell if a movie is corrupting without watching it?
First, trust your gut. Watch the trailer. If you watch the trailer and a voice in your head tells you something's not right, listen. Chances are, something's not right. God gave you instincts. Trust them. Read the synopsis of a movie on IMDb.com or another site. Watch the trailer. Nine times out of ten, you'll get a sense of what you're in for.
With films that may not be so black and white, so clear cut, don't go see them on opening weekend. Wait until the reviews have come out, until co-workers and others around you have had a chance to see the movie. Ask the questions you need to ask. You never need to see any movie on opening weekend. The only reason we think that's important is because its new and because the film's marketing pushes us to think that's important. You can wait. Wait and let others jump in. Let them test the water before you dive in yourself.
What are some tell-tale signs of a movie that may be something we should not watch?
Demonic imagery is always a signpost. If the trailer strongly focuses on sex or violence, take note. Pay attention to any statements of belief or worldview. If they don't mesh with yours, that's a bad sign.
What of guilty pleasures? Is it okay for Christians to watch movies they know they probably shouldn't like?
I have some guilty pleasures. I admit I love zombie movies. I do. I've been asked why I'd like something so vile and stupid, so I thought about it and realized the answer comes down to the fact that they're the only movies I can sit back and not think about what I'm watching. For someone who watches as many movies as I do, that's a real treat.
As for other people, we all have things we think of as guilty pleasures, and I don't think we need to beat ourselves up over them. Some women have a weakness for romances. Some men love shoot-'em- ups. I don't begrudge people their tastes. The thing to remember is that they're called guilty pleasures for a reason. Examine why you enjoy whatever it is. You need to explore the reasons why you feel guilty. This can easily be a path to sinfulness if you jump in without thinking.
In the book you claim rough language, nudity, and violence are acceptable for Christians to watch. How is this Biblical?
Christians and social conservatives have become too focused on the "what" in movies rather than the "why." This is a serious problem because it's limiting and it assumes certain content is naturally abhorrent. You'll find this on websites that give family-friendly reviews—they give what I call a "nun list": this movie has twelve breasts, six mild cuss words, four references to feces, someone smokes in the background of one scene, and on and on. The presence of breasts or someone's rear end does not automatically mean the film is sinful or dangerous. Yes, it's best to know about content before you see the film, but it's equally important to know the context.
An example I use in the book is this. What if I asked you to come see a movie with me and I told you that not only did the film feature an extended nude shower scene with women completely naked but it also had a full-frontal shot of a naked man? Here's the thing, I could be describing the sex-comedy Porky's or I could be describing Schindler's List, arguably one of the most important films in our lifetime. For some people, it won't matter—nudity is nudity and bare flesh is a deal breaker. Okay, that's your choice and you need do what's best for you. I believe, however, that it's not unchristian—or I would go as far as to say unbiblical—to view such things provided it is done within the proper context. As I explain in the book as regards Schindler's List, Porky's intended to illicit lust in the audience while Schindler's List intended to show the horrors inflicted upon the victims of the Holocaust and the cruelty of their Nazi captors. Spielberg exposed the evil of the Nazi regime in his representation of their crimes and the impact upon their victims. The context is crucial.
As far as the audience is concerned, it all comes down to each of us managing ourselves and understanding our weaknesses and what will tempt us toward ungodliness.
What are recent movies that Christians can enjoy?
How to Train Your Dragon is a good pick for families. At first I dismissed it as another cheesy family flick, but my pastor raved about the thing–and he was right to.
There is a French documentary entitled Babies that was to be released May 7th. It has been getting some great buzz. I'll admit, I haven't seen it yet so I can't give it my full recommendation, but everything I've heard is positive. I would keep my eye out for it.
Overall, it is summertime and to be honest most movies are not worth seeing. We assume they may be worth watching because the marketing and trailers make them look cool, but with very few exceptions I would suggest you spend your time outside.
What are some resources a parent can use to find out if a film is appropriate for their children?
I like the Dove Foundation. I also suggest websites like Focus on the Family's Plugged In, and there's Decent Films Guide and MovieGuide, as well. The best thing you can do, in my opinion, is identify a couple of film reviewers you trust, that you align with as far as taste and morality. Don't choose just one because we all make mistakes and we're talking taste here—you're not going to agree 100% of the time. Find two or three reviewers you like, and compare and contrast their reviews.
What do you think makes for a good movie?
A good movie is more than good dialog, inventive plotting, or clever scene work. These all make a movie better, but the heart of a good movie is Story. The opening and the ending. It may seem like I'm giving the most simplistic answer, and maybe it is obvious, but the story that's being told is often the last thing we pay attention to. You can have the greatest technology, a fantastic cast, all of that, but if you're not telling the audience a good story, it's all for naught. You can have no budget and make a great movie because of the story, but if you have no story, no amount of money is going to help.
You call for Christians to be more active the film industry and the Arts in general. Are you saying Christian artists aren't involved already?
They are, and there are more Christians active in the entertainment industry than most people realize. Some are open, some are more secretive, for a variety of reasons. I argue that Christians, first, should be open about their faith. By that, I don't mean slapping people with the Bible—just not being covert about it. Be a Christian and live your life as a confession of your faith.
I also believe we need to be less focused on nurturing this Christian sub-genre we've developed. While it serves some function, we're not serving as broad a purpose as we could, infusing our labor and voices into the mainstream.
How do we honor Christ in the choices in movies that we watch?
By remaining devoted to Him when you make your choices. Pick truth over spectacle. Choose films that will enlighten and improve you, help you focus on Him, over ones that debase you. You can honor Christ and watch secular movies, you just have to watch the right ones.


text:
Ajamu Dillahunt, Senior Outreach Coordinator, Workers Rights Project
Ajamu Dillahunt
Senior Outreach Coordinator,
Workers Rights Project
email@example.com; (919) 856-3194
Ajamu Dillahunt joined the Justice Center in April of 2004 as the Outreach Coordinator for the Budget and Tax Center. He is currently the Outreach Coordinator for Consumer, Housing and Workforce Issues. As a community educator he utilizes popular education as a way of creating democratic participation in the process of learning and planning for action to change conditions. Ajamu has been a tireless advocate for working families in North Carolina for over thirty years. Prior to coming to the Justice Center he served as President of the Raleigh Area Local of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU). He was Director of Research and Education for the North Carolina Council of the APWU during that period. Ajamu was a Labor Educator and Arbitration Advocate as well. He has done community organizing and training in various communities in N.C. and was a founding member of the Black Workers for Justice. He has a Masters Degree in African Studies and maintains an active interest in the African Diaspora, particularly in the Caribbean and Latin America.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Is Your Roof Angle Suitable For Solar Panels?
The angle that your solar panels are mounted at will affect how much power they give you.
Generally speaking, (unless your roof is flat) the pitch of the roof on your home is going to be the angle that your solar panels are mounted at. In Australia the standard roof pitches are 18° or 22.5° so your panels will most likely be mounted at one of those angles:
If your roof is totally flat, most installers will offer you a racking system (at extra cost!) to mount your panels at an angle:
Although before you go ahead and order the extra racking, I highly recommend that you people with flat roofs read the blog post I wrote on the cost benefits of extra racking.
Does the amount of tilt matter?
Yes – the tilt of your solar panels will affect how much power they produce because the tilt will affect how much sunlight you capture.
Consider a solar panel flat on the ground that is 1m wide.
When the sun is high in the sky (e.g. at midday in summer), then a 1m wide shaft of sunlight will be completely captured by that solar panel:
Now, if the sun is at an angle of 30° from horizontal, that same 1m wide shaft of light actually is spread out over 2m when it hits the ground:
The flat solar panel, in this example, will only get half the sunlight, and therefore produce half the energy compared to the sun being directly overhead.
The solution in this example is, of course, to tilt the panel by 60° so that it captures all the sunlight:
So what is the best angle for a solar panel?
The angle of the sun in the sky depends on both the season and your location on the earth:
In winter the sun is lower in the sky. In summer the sun is higher in the sky.
And the closer you live to the equator (i.e. the lower your latitude), the higher the sun is in the sky all year round.
So you may think that calculating the optimum tilt for the panels on your roof is going to be really complicated…
Luckily it is actually dead simple.
The ideal angle for your solar panels (to maximize the power produced over the whole year) is simply the latitude of your location:
So for my house in Adelaide, the ideal solar panel angle is 35° from horizontal.
Why is the perfect solar panel angle simply your latitude?
Because your latitude is the same as the angle of the sun in the sky halfway between midwinter and midsummer. The sun will be about 15 degrees higher in the sky in summer and 15 degrees lower in the sky in winter. So tilting your panels to the midway point will maximize the sun captured throughout the year.
How much power do you lose if your roof is at a different angle to your latitude?
In a perfect world (well my perfect world anyway) all builders would be forced to build roofs with pitches the same as the latitude of the house. However as mentioned before, most roofs in Australia are at 15° or 22.5°.
So how much solar power are you losing if your panels are not at the perfect tilt angle?
Well, it depends on the direction of your roof, the location of your roof and the pitch of your roof. If you want to calculate it yourself then the easiest way is use these tables from the Clean Energy Council. Just pick the table for the town nearest to you and find the power loss:
Click here to see Power loss tables for different roof pitches.
Let's use my home in Adelaide as an example. The roof pitch is 15°, which is 20° lower than the ideal angle of 35°.
When you crunch the numbers, the efficiency hit is only 0.7% - almost nothing.
However if my roof was flat the power hit would be 9% lower compared to having the panels at 35°.
So the moral of the story is: if your roof is pitched, your panels might not be at the theoretically perfect tilt angle, but they will be close enough.
If your roof is flat, then it may be worth considering mounting your solar panels on frames. Just make sure that the extra cost of the frames and installation isn't more that the extra power generated over the life of the system (i.e. 30+ years).


text:
April 5, 2013
x-mal Mensch Stuhl
Angie Heisl's performance art piece 'x-mal Mensch Stuhl' caught my attention. The project features senior citizens sitting in white chairs bolted to the sides of buildings. There they sit, several meters off the ground, as they go about everyday tasks like knitting or reading the paper.
Via: Jessica Walsh
Daryl Scroggins on
April 5th, 2013 at 8:22 am
That's the way I get things done.
Sheila Ryan on
April 5th, 2013 at 12:58 pm
I would do that for money. I'm talking more than minimum wage.
Kathy Hilen-Smith on
April 6th, 2013 at 7:39 am
Love this. Half way 'spect to live out my twilight years bolted to the side of a building. With any luck, with a bucket of flowers.


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The Real Scandal
October 26, 2006
Nicole Gelinas
MEDIA attention on the comptroller's race has focused more on incumbent Alan Hevesi's use of a state worker to drive his ailing wife around the city than on a far bigger issue: the urgent need to reform New York state's massive pension fund.
But the attention on the Hevesi scandal may not be too much of a distraction - for it illustrates that the pension fund concentrates far too much power in one place.
As comptroller, Hevesi is sole trustee of New York's $145 billion in pension assets, which he invests in the financial markets to fund retirement benefits for nearly 1 million state and municipal workers and retirees. State law governs how Hevesi invests the funds, and he gets plenty of advice from financial firms - but he's the only one who's actually responsible.
Hevesi's woes should remind New Yorkers that it's a bad idea to put so much power and responsibility in the hands of a single man. The state's Ethics Commission has found that there's cause to believe that the comptroller "knowingly and intentionally" broke the law when he directed a state worker to spend much of his time over the last three years driving his wife. (Hevesi justified this by claiming threats against his wife but never substantiated them - and the man who serves as the state's "green eyeshades" kept such poor records about the affair that any claim that he ever planned to pay the state back, the commission found, just isn't credible.)
Yesterday, Hevesi lost his most important supporter, Eliot Spitzer, who withdrew his endorsement of his fellow Democrat, calling the allegations "deeply troubling."
All this shows that the comptroller is always going to be a fallible human being - indeed, an even more fallible New York state employee. And even though his alleged misuse of state resources had nothing to do with the pension fund, Hevesi's predecessor, H. Carl McCall, did use his control of the pension fund to advance his personal interests.
This behavior is dangerous: New Yorkers must be confident that the state invests their funds in a particular stock only because that investment is expected to yield a competitive return - not because someone's relative needs a job.
And it's not only state workers who should worry about whose hands their pension investments are in - it's all taxpayers. Why? It's the taxpayers who would suffer if the pension fund were to stumble.
That's how the system is designed. State and municipal employees have a guaranteed pension when they retire, no matter how the state's investments perform. If the pension fund does badly, taxpayers have no choice but to make up the difference.
This is in contrast to most private-sector employees today. They must invest their own money (often matched by their employers) in personal 401(k) accounts so that by the time they retire, they've saved enough to complement their Social Security income.
Worse, state taxpayers bear a risk besides the chance that the financial markets will sink: They get stuck with the bill if the officials who run the funds severely mismanage the funds, either through fraud or by making just plain mistakes.
One example: Trustees of San Diego's pension fund allegedly played tricks to make the fund seem healthier than it was for political reasons - and threw the city into a fiscal crisis that's still raging two years later.
Of course, the public sector certainly has no monopoly on fraud (or mistakes): Just look at Enron or WorldCom.
But the key is to distribute risk to make the effects of fraud less severe. E.g., if Enron workers' pensions weren't so concentrated in Enron stock, the investments would've been safe. Yet New York state's pension fund, ultimately in the hands of one elected official, is the very definition of a type of concentrated risk.
Ironically, Hevesi - a walking example of the risks in today's system - spent part of Wednesday's debate attacking his opponent for even talking about reform that would reduce the risk.
Yet it's an idea endorsed by all manner of independent budget watchers. New York should reform its pensions so that most new workers get what workers do in the private sector: private 401(k) accounts, optimally invested across varied financial instruments with different people ultimately in charge of each.
No one person should be in charge of $145 billion.
Original Source: http://www.nypost.com/seven/10272006/postopinion/opedcolumnists/the_real_scandal_opedcolumnists_nicole_gelinas.htm?page=0
America's Legal Order Begins to Fray Heather Mac Donald, 09-14-15
Ray Kelly, Gotham's Guardian Stephen Eide, 09-14-15
Time to Trade in the 'Cadillac Tax' on Health Insurance Paul Howard, 09-14-15
Hillary Charts the Wrong Path on Wage Inequality Scott Winship, 09-11-15
Women Would Be Helped the Most By an End to the 'Marriage Penalty' Diana Furchtgott-Roth, 09-11-15
A Smarter Way to Raise Paychecks Oren Cass, 09-10-15
Gambling with New York's Pension Funds E. J. McMahon, 09-10-15
Vets Who Still Serve: After Disasters, Team Rubicon Picks Up the Pieces Howard Husock, 09-10-15
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A Katy man was arrested after police said he was caught with his pants down sitting in a vehicle in front of a church. Amanda Perez reports.
WE HAVE CREWS ON THE WAY. WE'LL BRING YOU A COMPLETELY UPDATE AT 6:00. A KATY MAN ARRESTED AND TAKEN TO JAIL AFTER POLICE SAY HE WAS CAUGHT EXPOSING HIMSELF OUTSIDE A PROMINENT SUGAR LAND CHURCH RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUNG CHILDREN. "LOCAL 2's" AMANDA PEREZ HAS MORE ON THE PHOTOS THAT LED OFFICERS TO THIS MAN. SUGAR LAND POLICE SAY A WOMAN NOTICED A MAN EXPOSING HIMSELF IN THE PARKING LOT OF SUGAR CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH. IT HAPPENED AS PARENTS WERE DROPPING OFF THEIR CHILDREN. POLICE SAY A WOMAN ALERTED A PASTOR AFTER SEEING A MAN EXPOSING HIMSELF, AND THAT PASTOR WAS ABLE TO TAKE A PHOTO OF THE SUSPECT'S VEHICLE. THE PHOTO LED POLICE TO THIS MAN, 31-YEAR-OLD ANTHONY BRIAN CHIN OF KATY. HE WAS ARRESTED THURSDAY AND CHARGED WITH INDECENT EXPOSURE. TODAY, SUGAR CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH DECLINED TO COMMENT BUT A PASTOR DID TELL US THE CHURCH TAKES A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO SECURITY. REPORTING IN SUGAR LAND, AMANDA PEREZ, KPRC LOCAL 2.


text:
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - London Fletcher's consecutive games streak might remain intact after all.
The Washington Redskins linebacker was back at practice Friday, one day after undergoing some six hours of tests for a "balance issue."
Fletcher said doctors still aren't sure what has caused his recent balance problems, but he said they ruled out a concussion.
Fletcher also has a right hamstring injury and was limping slightly as he came off the field.
Fletcher is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has played in all 231 games in his 15-year NFL career, the longest streak among active players.


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General Prayer Book-lg
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Basic prayers used in practice: Opening & closing prayers, Long life prayers for the Lamas, Aspirational prayers, and the practices of Amitabha, and Chenrezig in the Six Realms.
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TOS-Remastered: a waste of time
View Single Post
December 30 2009, 05:22 AM
Vice Admiral
Location: number6 has left the village through some inexpicable hole in the ground to head the corporation.
Re: TOS-Remastered: a waste of time
Captain Robert April wrote:
WHF wrote:
Haggis and tatties wrote:
^^When you think of it this whole thread is a "waste of time", every version is availble for everybody, people who dont like the remastered versions will or can have the original versions on DVD, the BR HD release has made it so anybody can pick what version of TOS they want to watch.
Its complaining for the sake of complaining, its not like the original version have been replaced, people who don't want to watch the remastered versions are not going to go out on buy them now are they, so i fail to see whats to complain about.
Every original series DVD, including the very first single disc releases, are remastered.
Yes, a little something that's continually being missed.
The big difference in this case is that they've been remastered
in high definition
, and they've had new CGI effects added,
You'd think this group would be a little more technically savvy...
You'd also think this group would be less tonedeaf to the fact that the HD masters also include the original effects on the BR release. I am watching it as we speak.
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Things that scare me
By: jhpr2oneSubscribe Channel: Off the Wall Location: Eugene, OR
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says ... on Sunday, Oct 27 at 11:40 AM
They don't scare me near as much as the idiots we have in office now.


text:
This satellite image confirms the extent of the issue----------------------
glad you saw it, sw!
do you see what i see - that @ least 40% if not 50% is brown. final harvested ac might be alot less than 85m
07-18-2012 12:02 PM - edited 07-18-2012 12:56 PM
Here's another interesting image --
Shows percentile ranking of current drought relative to historical data -- data since 1895!
Added comment from a news article just read -- "7 of the 18 top corn producing states have worse Palmer Drought ratings as of the end of June 2012 than in 1988 and this includes CO, IL, IN, KS, MO, NE, and TX."
Maybe the traders are looking at these too? Just sold a load of oc corn for $8.09 cash local price. +20 basis. Kind of glad I have that non expert 4 point marketing scheme.
Just had my crop insurance agent stop and give me his condolances for this years crop problems. After he was done I showed him moist dirt and 6 to 7 ft suckers in the corn field.
He said I was the only one that could do that.
07-18-2012 12:16 PM - edited 07-18-2012 12:59 PM
Hobby - Noticed your earlier comment on the suckers somewhere -- at least I think it was in one of your comments.
I saw alot of suckers fairly early in my corn this year. Have seen that the suckers later in the season can give a quick indication of how the corn is doing -- in a good year, the suckers put small productive ears where the tassel would be -- this year, the suckers have either nothing at all, or an already dried up cob!
Walked into a couple of fields on Sunday -- in some good dirt in one field, had approximately 1 small ear for every 10 stalks -- just didn't put on ears. Of course, there's good areas and bad areas. It's really difficult to get a decent handle on what the corn might yield due to the variation within the fields. Plus, corn in this area is anything from soft dough to black layer to toasted -- rain won't help much anymore, and the heat is making it die too quickly for decent kernal size or test weight. What does look fairly good from the road, doesn't look so good when you walk thru it.
Just noticed this cartoon link from one of Caldwell's reports --
thx for that % rank map - really brings it home what an historical time we're in!
Sobering information.
The map is surprisingly accurate from what I know conditions to be in my area of NWC Ohio. The Maumee river roughly seperates the OK from the bad.


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The Blacklist Series Review: Episode 5 The Courier
This weeks episode of the Blacklist was bit underwhelming compared to last weeks episode. Despite the fact that last weeks episode did such a good job with setting this episode up. However it is far to say that although this episode was not as good as last week's episode. It does continue to set things up to a major restitution. Which looks like if finally going to take place next week. But to up into this point I am starting to believe that the Blacklist members themselves are not really all that important. I believe they are simply instrument used in order to strengthen the trust relationship between Elizabeth in Raymond as the end of this episode clearly showed.
The episode starts with Elizabeth having a nightmare about what could happen if her husband discovers that she knows his secret. When she wakes up her husband Tom tell her that it is almost time for them to go on their little vacation. The next scene shows a man named Seth being kidnapped by the next member of the Blacklist. Who is man in a creepy-looking in a mask. The masked man is videotaping Seth and gives Seth an oxygen tank and a breathing mask and then buries Seth underground in a small box.Back at the FBI, Elizabeth and Agent Ressler have a little bit of an argument about how things have been playing out lately. Raymond contacts Elizabeth and tells her about The Courier, who is as Raymond describes "The perfect middleman for the criminal world." Raymond claims that The Courier plans to deliver something worth a lot of money to an Iranian spy named Hamid.Who plans to meet him at a food market within a few hours.
The FBI head over to the food market and quickly identify Hamid who is seen interacting with The Courier who suspects something is wrong and kills Hamid. The Courier then begins to flee in a car. However Elizabeth and Agent Malik manage to chase him down and quickly arrest him. The FBI begin to question him but he refuses to talk. They then discover that not only has The Courier implanted a series of items within his own body. But that he suffers from a rare condition that prevents him from feeling any pain. On of the items that the FBI is able to extract from The Couriers Body is a small memory card with a video of Seth. The FBI finds out that Seth is one of the top analysts at the NSA. Elizabeth confronts Raymond asking him to tell her everything he knows on the situation. Raymond only agrees after Elizabeth tells Raymond everything she knows about Tom.
Afterwords the FBI discover the safe house that The Courier was using and discover a number of pictures. Back at FBI headquarters Elizabeth attempts to get inside The Courier's head by talking to him about his little brother, Samuel who is currently serving time in a federal prison. After words the The Courier is then sent to a hospital in order to remove all the extra items out of his body.The FBI manages identify the woman who gave Seth to The Courier. She's a French criminal that Raymond knows. They want to try to trick her into revealing where she dropped Seth off so they can try to backtrack where The Courier may have taken him.Tom suddenly calls Liz at work and says she needs to come home right away, it's really important. She says she can't leave now but they will talk later. We then see that Tom has discovered that his fake passports, money, and gun have been removed from his hiding place under the floor. This scene is very small and short but will play an important part in the end.
Agent Ressler heads off pretending to be The Courier to retrieve the information they need from the Frenchwoman. However he makes a simple mistake playing his part and is quickly found out. Ressler flees and the FBI moves in and arrests the Frenchwoman. The Courier is on his way to the hospital but manages to escape by pulling out a small blade from within his skin.Raymond then convinces the FBI to release the French woman so he can retrieve the information from her himself. Raymond goes to see her and after a small conversation convinces her to give her the information they need to find Seth. Meanwhile, the FBI manage to track-down The Courier down and after a small fire fight The Courier is shot and killed.
Elizabeth and Raymond use the info they learned from the French woman to figure out where Seth located. With very little time to spare the two manage to find Seth and rescue him. Seth gives his gratitude to the two of them. Back at FBI headquarters a package is delivered to Elizabeth from Raymond. It is the file on the the Angel Station hotel case file that she tried to retrieve. The file contains a picture and within the picture Elizabeth recognizes that her husband, Tom was there. We find out that Red used his connection with Seth to get the file for Liz. Afterward Elizabeth arrives at Raymond apartment crying a little bit and says "I don't know why I came here". Elizabeth finally heads home and Tom is there waiting for her. He pulls out the box containing the money, passports, and guns.
This episode had a great cliffhanger, in my opinion is has been the best one of the series so far. One thing that this episode didn't do and I'm glad for was not bringing forth any vibes that Raymond could be Elizabeth's father. I think its safe to say that the writers have written that off. However I could be wrong since this entire series since the beginning has been about misdirection and twists. Its was also nice to see Agent Ressler step up for a second episode in a row. Behind Raymond and Elizabeth he is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters in the show. I hope they continue to give him more time to take the spotlight. However in a whole this episode does take a back seat from last week but I still believe this episode would stand in the better half of the series. Although I may not remember the blacklist member in this episode in a few week I will remember a lot what did happen in this episode. But from own personal interest in this story line things are about to get SERIOUS.
Although this episode did suffer from a number of elements that hold it back from being a great episode for the series. It does do a great job of setting things up to what could be one of the best episodes of the entire series. If you haven't started watching this series by now then you are not a fan of great Television.


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Latest Wedding Gift Registry News
Image by ladybugbkt
07/10/08: I had to run to Target to purchase a wedding gift. They registered for this wok set, which I thought was a pretty cool gift.
Elizabeth Richard Gifts: Wedding Registry
In celebration of Wedding Week here on Connecticut Style, Lori Greene, owner of Elizabeth Richard Gifts ( www.elizabethrichardgifts.com ) in Waterbury, was in the studio to discuss the all important gift registry process. In addition to researching ...
Read more on WTNH
Online Wedding Registry Focuses on Local Stores
One-Liner Pitch: NewlyWish is a free online wedding gift registry service that offers couples options beyond the usual big department stores. Why It's Taking Off: Couples can create a single wedding gift registry from a network of more than 50 ...
Read more on Mashable
How To Get a Car As A Wedding Gift
In many wedding registries, people buy one table setting of a couple's china or glassware because some people choose pricey sets that would be too much for one person to buy. The Dart got off to a slow start during its launch in 2012. A compact sedan ...
Read more on AOL Autos


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Dr. Michishita noted, "I am very pleased that the very first cases utilizing RenalGuard in Japan to prevent CIN were successful. I am very impressed with the ease of use of the system, and how it works to maintain the fluid balance of the body. Once it is approved by the MHLW, I believe that RenalGuard will be a great benefit for patients undergoing PCI requiring contrast media."
Contrast-Induced Nephropathy
CIN is a major and growing problem due to the increasing number of older patients, diabetics and patients with pre-existing renal impairment – all of whose conditions make them at risk for CIN when they require interventional procedures that use radiographic contrast media. More than 7 million such imaging procedures occur worldwide each year, and it is estimated that 15-20% of those patients are 'at risk' of acquiring CIN. CIN is the third most common cause of in-hospital acute renal failure. It is associated with significant in-hospital mortality rates, and increases in long-term mortality rates, major in-hospital adverse cardiac events, and increased risk of renal dialysis therapy. All of these lead to prolonged hospital stays and increased medical costs. Estimated mortality rates for patients who acquire CIN may be as high as 35%.
About RenalGuard
RenalGuard is based on data that shows that initiating and maintaining high urine output during imaging procedures allows the body to rapidly eliminate toxins in contrast media, reducing their harmful effects. RenalGuard is a fully-automated, real-time matched fluid replacement device in
|SOURCE PLC Systems Inc.
Copyright©2010 PR Newswire.
All rights reserved


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We offer the best High-Speed Internet access rates on DSL, T1, DS1, T3, DS3, OC3, VoIP, WiFi, WiMAX, and Broadband line connection service providers, with real-time quotes, a low-price guarantee, and a call from an independent communications consultant - all for FREE!
Here is some other Bandwidth Stuff.
Real-time Bandwidth T1 Wyoming Rate Quotes are Here!Finding pricing for Wyoming Bandwidth T1 and other Wyoming services has been greatly simplified with online software called GeoQuote. This revolutionary technology actually measures how far away your are from each of the Wyoming carrier's facilities and calculates with 99% accuracy the best price they can offer you. Shopping for Wyoming Bandwidth T1 is now just as easy as booking a Wyoming flight online!
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Obama: Immigration reform could lead to growth
Kate Davidson
Jul 3, 2014 President Obama says immigration reform could lead to $1.4 trillion in growth.
Border towns hit hard as fewer migrants cross
Jude Joffe-Block
Apr 28, 2014 Fewer migrants crossing Arizona's border mean a slump for towns that relied on the smuggling economy.
EU officials debate sanctions after Switzerland restricts immigration
David Brancaccio
Interview by
Feb 11, 2014 Switzerland isn't an European Union member, but still benefits from the charter. Official members say the country is cherry-picking which laws to follow.
Commerce Secretary: Immigration reform would bring in $1.4 trillion
Kai Ryssdal
Interview by
Jan 10, 2014 U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker sits down to talk about the state of the American economy and what she thinks it will take to get it back on track.
Scam artists target hopeful immigrants
Alexandra Starr
Jan 3, 2014 While the possibility of immigration reform raises hope for undocumented immigrants, it has also created a business for scammers who tell clients they can help them get green cards, when they really can't.
Leaving Syria's war zone to start a new life
Caitlan Carroll
Dec 25, 2013 Many Syrians are making new lives in Germany. The excitement and the reality of starting anew.
Family finance lessons: Author Amy Tan
Stan Alcorn
Dec 4, 2013 "Joy Luck Club" author Amy Tan tells us what money lessons she learned from her family, growing up in China.
Outsourcing giant Infosys faces record immigration fine
Oct 29, 2013 Infosys allegedly used the wrong type of visa to bring thousands workers into the country.
'Bed mandate' ensures 34,000 immigrants are detained each day
David Brancaccio
Interview by
Oct 18, 2013 The measure keeps the government paying billions to fund immigrant detention centers.


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Bright Eyes Academy
Our mission at Bright Eyes Academy is to bring together children, teachers, parents and the community in the journey of early education. We offer programs that challenge, encourage, and support children in their quest for knowledge, recognizing developmental stages, as well as, each child for their own abilities and talents.
We use a Reggio Emilia based approach for teaching and learning. This approach fosters children's intellectual development through systematic focus on symbolic representation, as children are encouraged to explore their environment and express themselves through words, movement, drawing, painting, playing and other natural modes of expression. We trust, respect and value children's sense of ownership, autonomy and control of their own learning and play.
The teaching method at BEA incorporates aspects of both the Reggio Emilia and Project Approaches. Our program curriculum is developed by weaving cognitive skills throughout the children's interests, involving the children as active participants in the construction of knowledge. We provide an environment where education goes beyond the basic skills as children are challenged to observe, investigate, question, analyze, construct meaning and think critically.
BC Early Learning Initiative
Bright Eyes Academy is proud to be a partner in support of the Early Learning Framework. Below is a brief summary of "What is British Columbia Early Learning Framework" and " Why it's important to you". The information below is taken directly from: Understanding the Early Learning Framework from theory to Practice; complied by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport and the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Introduction to the Framework
As early childhood educators, we are more than teachers. Along with children and their families, we are part of a community of learners. Our curiosity causes us to wonder about the children, examine our programs, and evaluate our own work with families and children. We are learners as well as early childhood educators, and we must continually examine, reflect and re-assess our work. Assessing our work and ourselves is part of learning and growing as individuals and as groups of colleagues. It is in this spirit that the Province of British Columbia developed its unique Early Learning Framework.
Download from The Ministry of Education website: Early Learning Framework and 'Understanding the British Columbia Early Learning Framework'
To purchase: Queen's Printer Publication Services
563 Superior Street, Victoria BC V8W 9V7
Ph: 250-387-6409 Toll Free 1-800-663-6105
Please quote catalogue # RB0202 when ordering.
Professional Development training sessions on how to implement the Framework sessions are posted on the Ministry of Education website.


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▪ Software
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Categories: Erotica/Paranormal Erotica/Romance
Publisher: Total-e-bound | Date published: 02/28/2011
Is a vampire's love worth dying for? Malachi Bane had been condemned to live forever without the woman he would love until the day he died. He waits out eternity in isolation, on a small island in the Maine Archipelago. When a visiting couple threatens his peaceful existence, Bane prepares to kill them if he has to, in order to defend his home and protect his privacy. Instead, he is compelled to save the life of the woman he has become strangely fascinated with, not realising the consequences of his actions at first. Amber Kirkwood isn't impressed by Bane's macho attitude and has no idea how she got embroiled in the mess her life has become. Her rescue from the island and subsequent arrest for her colleague David's unexplained death, sets off a chain of events she has no control over and no desire to be a part of. On top of that, she is then kidnapped by Bane and held hostage so he can protect her from Katerina, the vengeful female who created him and has never forgiven him for leaving her. When the physical and emotional bonds begin to grow between the unlikely couple, Bane longs to 'change' Amber, in order to save her life and keep her with him forever. But she fears for her immortal soul and, with so much at stake, Amber can't be sure that what she feels for Bane truly is worth dying for.


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Where or where can I find Zachary chocolate drops? Every Christmas I have gotten them at Wal-Mart and Walgreens, but this year they are no where to be found. Help!
By Paula from Wichita, KS
Here are the recent answer to this question.
By Sally Simpson12/18/2012
The creme drops can be found at Hobby Lobby and Michaels craft stores. They sell them year round and not just at Christmas.
By Cheryl12/07/2010
By Connie P. [17]12/07/2010
Family Dollar or Dollar General is where I buy them.
By R Barbara [131]12/04/2010
I would definitely check with the manager at Walmart. I just bought some in Washington state at Walmart last week. Good luck.
By Stephanie Wolf12/04/2010
I would say try Family Dollar or the Dollar Tree.
By Rose [1]12/04/2010
Try Dollar General.
By Deanj12/04/2010
First I would ask the Wal Mart and Walgreens managers if they have them in stock and if not why not. If one Wal Mart or Walgreens does not have them the next store might.
Second I would go on line to www.zacharyconfections.com or call them at 1-800-445-4222 and ask where I can buy them in your area. Their web page lists Big Lots, Christmas Tree Shops, Target and Wal Mart among many other locations.
Here are questions related to Looking for Zachary Creme Drops.
Are they are available 2011 Christmas?
By Jackie from Memphis, TN
By Deanj12/14/2011
Zachary Confections, Inc.
2130 West State Road 28
Frankfort, IN 46041
Toll Free: 800.445.4222
Fax: 765.659.1491
E-mail Contacts
Quality Control:
Human Resources:
Thrifty Fun has been around so long that many of our pages have been reset several times. Archives are older versions of the page and the feedback that was provided then.
I used to buy Zachary Cream drops at Walgreen's in Marysville or Yuba City, CA. They no longer carry them. The Wal-Mart, Lindhurst Av., Marysville clerk says she has never seen them. I want cream drops for my grandson Zachary.
Inez, California
http://www.zacharyconfections.com/wheretobuy.cfm (12/15/2004)
By ThriftyFun
By tedsmom
By sherl
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By Becki from Indiana
By Mary McLean
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By Kerri K
Where may I purchase Zachary Confections Creme Drops in or near: Hanover, NH, or Lebanon, NH,or West Lebanon, NH, or White River Jct, VT, or Barre, VT? Any assistance greatly appreciated.
By Dick D from east central VT
By Deeli
By kidena
Where can I purchase Zachary Chocolate Drops in Ohio or any other mail order address?
By Pam from Columbus, OH
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Toll Free: 800.445.4222
Fax: 765.659.1491
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firstname.lastname@example.com (10/24/2010)
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