I HAVE NO TIME TO BE TAKING THESE STUPID QUIZZES! Well, maybe not so stupid… [coy cough] You are: SALT! Outgoing, funny and a great friendto have around. —What fast food condiment are you?— brought to you by Quizilla Read more

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST – ANOTHER REVIEW I like this review. It has a visceral quality to it. Someone emailed it to me so I’m not sure where it first appeared in print. A News Anchor’s Perspective on “The Passion of the Christ” by Jody Dean Dallas/Ft. Worth anchor, CBS News There have been tons of e-mails and forwards floating around recently from those who have had the privilege of seeing Mel Gibson’s The Passion Of The Christ prior... Read more

VIOLENCE IN THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST The anti-Semitism argument is not the most controversial thing about the soon to be released Mel Gibson film. The amount and quality of the violence in the film will be a much bigger bone of contention for the Christians who will be lining up at theaters. Believe me, this isn’t the kind of film that you load up on popcorn and Diet Cokes for and then sit there munching away. A lot of... Read more

IT’S NOT THAT I’M WEAK… …it’s rather that I would consider it a reprehensible lapse in journalistic integrity not to reference this column of Michael Medved, in which Viggo Mortensen, who has just spent three years working on a film that is purportedly chockful of important, Christian themes, is now writing poetry for the Socialist Nihilists of the Universe Party. (Sean and Kale – this one’s for you guys…[wicked, shrill screams of delight -] And I quote… “Viggo Mortensen, who... Read more

Following the example of Eve Tushnet, who thus sanctified Wednesdays, I hereby declare Monday, “Poetry Monday”…but because it’s this blog, it’s more appropriately titled… EMILY MONDAY (And it’s not just because I’m home sick today and don’t have enough to do with myself….although, that is true too…) #228 One Crucifixion is recorded only – How many be Is not affirmed of Mathematics – Or History. One Calvary – exhibited to Stranger – As many be as persons – Or Peninsulas... Read more

MONSTROUSLY SAD I am unsure what to say about the movie Monster, for which Charlize Theron is nominated – and the frontrunner – for the Oscar. Indisputably, Theron’s performance is amazing. It’s almost eerie how she transforms her mannerisms, her walk, her intonation until you don’t even remember what the real Charlize looks and sounds like. The other nominees are disadvantaged by the fact that they are only acting. Charlize is channeling… Having said that, Monster is not a film... Read more

TAG, YOU’RE IT A “friend” sent me this… Thanks. I needed one more thing on my things I can’t do list. Go ahead, try it…heh heh heh…. Left brain, right brain While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles. Now, while doing this, draw the number “6” in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction and there’s nothing you can do about it. Read more

AND ON THE OTHER HAND… Another Act One alum, Dan Ewald, recently interviewed Patty Heaton for Christianity Today. It’s here and very good. Patty is a super person, and a happy ‘other hand’ to the absurdity and disconnect of so many celebrities. I’ve met her several times, and have always found her simple and friendly. Most recently, we spoke at a Feminist’s for Life event at UCLA. Patty spoke frankly and without any anger or spin to the students, three... Read more

HOLLYWOOD AS REALITY SHOW My friend and Act One alumn, Spencer Lewrenz, has a scathing riff of the Golden Globes telecast here. It’s funny and goes a long way to foreshadowing my ultimate dream of being rendered irrelevant by my much more talented and intelligent students… Fun fact: The Golden Globes is known as “The Party of the Year.” Or at least that’s what The Eternal One, Dick Clark, repeatedly reminded television viewers during the opening red carpet ceremony. (I... Read more

OSCAR DOESN’T EMBARRASS HIMSELF I always cringe a little to see the list of Oscar noms in a presidential election year. Inevitably, the Academy anoints several movies that are second-rate but “important”. This year, the “important” films are happily missing from the list. I think that Michael Moore’s embarrassing tirade last year and his subsequent booing by the assembled Oscar crowd started a small anti-trend in the Academy as regards politicizing the movies. Only the most obtuse and strident actors,... Read more