Things I’m Loving (8.26.11 edition)

Read

1. Chuck Klosterman on the new movie, Rise of the Planet of the Apes. “In 2005, a primate scientist at Emory University concluded that the genetic construction of the chimpanzees is 96 percent similar to that of man. That’s kind of amazing. But perhaps that last four percent is the only chunk that matters.” and “The summer 2001 reboot with Mark Wahlberg was idiotic and probably caused 9/11, so I didn’t have high expectations for this year’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes, even though it stars author James Franco.”
2. Becoming a Better Preacher: Listen to a Heretic.  “I heard someone criticize Andy Stanley because his sermons were too practical. My guess is the thousands who have to come to know Jesus Christ through his preaching would agree.”
3. Learn from others.  “The biggest reason why local churches don’t work together is their leaders not willing to go first and work  together.”
4. Why I work a day job. “The problem with so many photographers who go full time right away is that they lose the ability to say “no” to shoots that don’t alight with their vision. They end up in a situation where they have to ask themselves “do I pass on this shoot that doesn’t align with my vision, I wont get paid enough for, and won’t be very good at or do i pay the bills this month?”. I don’t ever want to be in that position. I want to be able to say “no” I don’t want to have to shoot stuff like this.”
5. Cruelty, Man Cards, and 2nd chances.  “The horror it must be for someone to know that they will ALWAYS be looked upon as evil. That they will ALWAYS be remembered by their sin.  I wonder what that feels like?”
6. Bond between Wilson and late dad cemented over time.  Great article on the former NC State quarterback who is now at Wisconsin.

Watch

1. Rise of the Planet of the Apes.  I went to this movie with some friends of mine on Tuesday and truly liked it a lot.  It is a great reminder of the original but is done in a much better way.  The apes were believable in CGI but also the movie did a great job of portraying the fact that they are still apes and not just human-like apes.  Definitely worth seeing.
2. Cheers Season 1 and Cheers Season 2.  This is a show that Vickie and I are watching through from the beginning on Netflix and we are enjoying it a lot.  We just finished Season 1 and it was amazing to see the relationship between Sam and Diane unfold.  They are such a real couple and it is quite funny how they can go from hating each other intensely to loving each other passionately.  Great first season.   But honestly, I am very much anticipating seeing Frasier and Woody join the show.
3. Vickie and I have also started watching Mad Men and Psych.  Both really good shows that I have just joined the bandwagon on.  Mad Men is about cheaters and basically very messed up people in the 60s.  And Psych is about crazy men who can, sort of, predict the past.  Both are very good and worth watching.  (Warning: with Mad Men, you might develop the disease of 2nd hand smoke and the desire to cheat).

Books

1. Uncommon by Tony Dungy and Nathan Whitaker.  4.5 out of 5.  Tony Dungy’s books have always been on my to-read list and this one did not disappoint.  I do wish that I was able to read his memoir/autobiography, Quiet Strength.
2. Through my eyes by Tim Tebow and Nathan Whitaker.  4 out of 5.  Tim Tebow has always fascinated me.  Maybe its because he was always told that he couldn’t do something or that he just always seems to live out the Christian characteristics in his football career.  No matter the reason, I was glad to have read this book.  I focused too much on the plays that made his college career great because I don’t really care or know much about those specific plays other than the ones in the BCS games that took Florida to the championship.  I’m an ACC fan and therefore, college football is not watched that much in my house.
3. Mirror Ball by Matt Redman.  4 out of 5.  This is a great book about how we are all supposed to be reflections of God’s light.  I have always loved Matt Redman’s books and this is a good mixture of his past and what he is trying to communicate today.