Thursday, September 06, 2007
The Intervention of God in Everyday Lives
As a Christian, I take the Bible literally...composed by people, inspired by the Holy Spirit, writing down the literal thoughts of God. It has not always been easy for me to believe this. Some of the things the Bible says are difficult to accept; some are difficult to understand.
One of the things I've been pondering lately is: how much does God intervene in the everyday affairs of people? Is God primarily an interested observer? Does He take a more active minute-by-minute role? Or is it that God engages with me to the level I'm willing to engage with Him?
I think the Bible gives evidence that God intervenes in daily life. For example, when the Jewish nation was wandering in the desert for 40 years, God provided them with food and water every single day. And yet, even in this I wonder if God got up early and lovingly baked the manna every day, or if He simply automated it, scheduling the manna delivery start and stop date, or perhaps delegating the bread baking to angels.
Psalm 139:13 tells me that God "created my inmost being" and "knit me together in my mother's womb." Does this mean that God still creates every single human being? Because I've often thought that God created Adam and Eve, gave them the ability to procreate, and that was that. But the idea of being personally hand-knit by God is infinitely more wonderful. (I suspect He dropped a couple of stitches when He knit me.)
One of the things I've been pondering lately is: how much does God intervene in the everyday affairs of people? Is God primarily an interested observer? Does He take a more active minute-by-minute role? Or is it that God engages with me to the level I'm willing to engage with Him?
I think the Bible gives evidence that God intervenes in daily life. For example, when the Jewish nation was wandering in the desert for 40 years, God provided them with food and water every single day. And yet, even in this I wonder if God got up early and lovingly baked the manna every day, or if He simply automated it, scheduling the manna delivery start and stop date, or perhaps delegating the bread baking to angels.
Psalm 139:13 tells me that God "created my inmost being" and "knit me together in my mother's womb." Does this mean that God still creates every single human being? Because I've often thought that God created Adam and Eve, gave them the ability to procreate, and that was that. But the idea of being personally hand-knit by God is infinitely more wonderful. (I suspect He dropped a couple of stitches when He knit me.)
Monday, September 03, 2007
Movie Review: War
Rating: R
Starring: Jet Li, Jason Statham, John Lone
Release date: 8/24/2007 (U.S.)
Official site: http://www.warthefilm.com/
If you want to see Jet Li doing sensational martial arts moves, this isn’t the movie for you. Li stated that he was retiring from martial arts films. War proves that he wasn’t joking. With the exception of a samurai sword duel, this film is characterized by John Woo-like “gun fu,” not kung fu.
Although I love action films, War had more brutal violence and nudity than I care to see—especially degrading violence towards women and violence towards children. While I know his reaction toward this type of violence was the hero’s motivation, it’s gross to see Yakuza bosses virtually raping women, women being sent as sex gifts for a job well done, and the image of the blood of a murdered mother and child pooling and mingling together. Also disappointing is that John Lone was not used to the best of his abilities.
Both Li and Statham give wonderful performances. I don’t think Li has played such a stone cold killer since Lethal Weapon 4. It’s truly disturbing to watch Rogue (Li) betray and double-cross and double-double-cross everyone around him. Statham also does well as the single-minded detective willing to sacrifice everything to catch Rogue.
A small thing I liked about this film is that, although Rogue is a badass assassin, he makes it clear that he does not drink or smoke. I wonder if this is a bit of Li’s Buddhist beliefs at work. Another small thing I liked is that the supporting characters are developed fully enough that I actually felt sad when they got blown away.
The BEST thing about War is its surprise ending. In truth, the twist is a bit far-fetched, yet I still like the idea of it. It elevates Rogue from cold-blooded killer to a man seeking justice.
Starring: Jet Li, Jason Statham, John Lone
Release date: 8/24/2007 (U.S.)
Official site: http://www.warthefilm.com/
If you want to see Jet Li doing sensational martial arts moves, this isn’t the movie for you. Li stated that he was retiring from martial arts films. War proves that he wasn’t joking. With the exception of a samurai sword duel, this film is characterized by John Woo-like “gun fu,” not kung fu.
Although I love action films, War had more brutal violence and nudity than I care to see—especially degrading violence towards women and violence towards children. While I know his reaction toward this type of violence was the hero’s motivation, it’s gross to see Yakuza bosses virtually raping women, women being sent as sex gifts for a job well done, and the image of the blood of a murdered mother and child pooling and mingling together. Also disappointing is that John Lone was not used to the best of his abilities.
Both Li and Statham give wonderful performances. I don’t think Li has played such a stone cold killer since Lethal Weapon 4. It’s truly disturbing to watch Rogue (Li) betray and double-cross and double-double-cross everyone around him. Statham also does well as the single-minded detective willing to sacrifice everything to catch Rogue.
A small thing I liked about this film is that, although Rogue is a badass assassin, he makes it clear that he does not drink or smoke. I wonder if this is a bit of Li’s Buddhist beliefs at work. Another small thing I liked is that the supporting characters are developed fully enough that I actually felt sad when they got blown away.
The BEST thing about War is its surprise ending. In truth, the twist is a bit far-fetched, yet I still like the idea of it. It elevates Rogue from cold-blooded killer to a man seeking justice.
Movie Review: Rush Hour 3
Starring: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker
Rated PG-13
Release date: 8/20/2007 (U.S.)
Official site: http://www.rushhourmovie.com/
I’m a great fan of Jackie Chan and the Rush Hour franchise. Unfortunately, Rush Hour 3 is pathetically bad. It’s in the same league as “Howard the Duck” and “Ishtar.” It’s not even worth renting as a video.
The adventure doesn’t continue in New York
Rush Hour 2 set my expectation that we’d see our heroes continue their adventures in New York City. I wanted to see them living it up at the Plaza and catching a game at Madison Square Garden. Inexplicably, RH3 is set in Paris. Lee and Carter’s adventure in New York and the failed romance between Lee and Isabella is just a bit of exposition. And it’s not satisfying.
I know the idea was to put both Lee and Carter into “fish out of water” environments, but that could have been accomplished in New York.
The buddies aren’t buddies
Lee and Carter aren’t buddies any more. It’s eventually explained that Carter played a role in the failed romance between Lee and Isabella; however, it’s more interesting to watch a relationship form or dissolve than hear about it in exposition. It’s not interesting to watch two disinterested people go through the motions of adventure.
This left our heroes without the arcs that made RH1 and 2 so appealing. In RH1, Carter learns to work with a partner and care about something outside of himself. In RH2, Lee and Carter become true friends and Lee finds romance. In RH3, it would have been nice to see Carter find true romance and to risk his life for it. It just seemed that not enough was at stake in RH3 for the buddies to re-establish their endearing friendship.
The motivation for the heroes and villains is weak and unclear—even who some of the villain ARE is unclear
In RH1, Juntao kidnaps Han’s daughter for revenge and big bucks. Lee is motivated to get the crime boss, rescue Han’s daughter, and avenge his former partner’s death.
In RH2, Tan and Hu Li are protecting their casino used for money laundering. Lee is motivated to stop the crime boss and avenge his father’s murder.
In RH3, Han discovers the location of a list of triad warlords. Instead of getting the list, he decides to announce its existence to the U.N. and gets shot. The rest of the movie is Lee and Carter trying to locate the list. There’s gratuitous T&A, but no money, threat, or romance driving the story forward.
Lee’s “brother” appears twice as a bad guy, but it’s unclear as to whether he’s a warlord or working for a warlord or what. Also, there’s a female Asian assassin who shows up twice to kick Lee’s butt—I don’t know who she is or why she wanted a piece of Lee either. (She and Chan did an excellent scene with a Chinese fighting fan though.)
The stunts are boring
The opening stunt of RH3 is one where Jackie Chan jumps through a one-story window, slides down a pole and runs across the freeway. This is WAY less interesting than the opening boxcar stunt of RH1 and scaffolding stunt of RH2.
The fights on the Eiffel Tower are too much like the ones we saw at the end of RH1 and would have been more amazing in the days before CGI. Jackie Chan is still a stud cake, but he’s not 25 any more.
There are too many scenes that don’t move the story forward
When Lee and Carter get to Paris, they’re beaten and strip-searched by the police—for no apparent reason. It doesn’t move the story forward. The only thing that makes it funny is that the infamous Roman Polanski does the strip-search.
Rated PG-13
Release date: 8/20/2007 (U.S.)
Official site: http://www.rushhourmovie.com/
I’m a great fan of Jackie Chan and the Rush Hour franchise. Unfortunately, Rush Hour 3 is pathetically bad. It’s in the same league as “Howard the Duck” and “Ishtar.” It’s not even worth renting as a video.
The adventure doesn’t continue in New York
Rush Hour 2 set my expectation that we’d see our heroes continue their adventures in New York City. I wanted to see them living it up at the Plaza and catching a game at Madison Square Garden. Inexplicably, RH3 is set in Paris. Lee and Carter’s adventure in New York and the failed romance between Lee and Isabella is just a bit of exposition. And it’s not satisfying.
I know the idea was to put both Lee and Carter into “fish out of water” environments, but that could have been accomplished in New York.
The buddies aren’t buddies
Lee and Carter aren’t buddies any more. It’s eventually explained that Carter played a role in the failed romance between Lee and Isabella; however, it’s more interesting to watch a relationship form or dissolve than hear about it in exposition. It’s not interesting to watch two disinterested people go through the motions of adventure.
This left our heroes without the arcs that made RH1 and 2 so appealing. In RH1, Carter learns to work with a partner and care about something outside of himself. In RH2, Lee and Carter become true friends and Lee finds romance. In RH3, it would have been nice to see Carter find true romance and to risk his life for it. It just seemed that not enough was at stake in RH3 for the buddies to re-establish their endearing friendship.
The motivation for the heroes and villains is weak and unclear—even who some of the villain ARE is unclear
In RH1, Juntao kidnaps Han’s daughter for revenge and big bucks. Lee is motivated to get the crime boss, rescue Han’s daughter, and avenge his former partner’s death.
In RH2, Tan and Hu Li are protecting their casino used for money laundering. Lee is motivated to stop the crime boss and avenge his father’s murder.
In RH3, Han discovers the location of a list of triad warlords. Instead of getting the list, he decides to announce its existence to the U.N. and gets shot. The rest of the movie is Lee and Carter trying to locate the list. There’s gratuitous T&A, but no money, threat, or romance driving the story forward.
Lee’s “brother” appears twice as a bad guy, but it’s unclear as to whether he’s a warlord or working for a warlord or what. Also, there’s a female Asian assassin who shows up twice to kick Lee’s butt—I don’t know who she is or why she wanted a piece of Lee either. (She and Chan did an excellent scene with a Chinese fighting fan though.)
The stunts are boring
The opening stunt of RH3 is one where Jackie Chan jumps through a one-story window, slides down a pole and runs across the freeway. This is WAY less interesting than the opening boxcar stunt of RH1 and scaffolding stunt of RH2.
The fights on the Eiffel Tower are too much like the ones we saw at the end of RH1 and would have been more amazing in the days before CGI. Jackie Chan is still a stud cake, but he’s not 25 any more.
There are too many scenes that don’t move the story forward
When Lee and Carter get to Paris, they’re beaten and strip-searched by the police—for no apparent reason. It doesn’t move the story forward. The only thing that makes it funny is that the infamous Roman Polanski does the strip-search.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Testing the Publish by Email Feature
One of the coolest things about contemporary blogging is that I can blog by email, by text message, or even by phone. I can blurt ideas onto the page at any time from anywhere.
Emerging Skills Sets for Technical Writers
After having been a technical writer for nearly 15 years, I took a couple of years off to teach martial arts. I kept my writing chops sharp by doing the occasional user guide or online help system, but I didn't keep my finger on the pulse of trends in the technical writing field.
In 2003, when I began my sabbatical, a tech writer would have been considered competent if s/he was skilled in using Word, Framemaker, RoboHelp/HTML, and Acrobat. If you wanted to be more marketable, you would've added Illustrator, Photoshop and HTML to your bag o' tricks.
This month, as I persued job listings on Dice, Monster, Careerbuilder, and Indeed, I found some companies are now looking for writers who, in addition to the core skills outlined above, are also versed in web design and content management.
Web Design
Like most tech writers, I'm a bit of a nerd, so I've created my own simple website and blog. The Dreamweaver and XHTML requirements are no big deal. But I'm definitely having to play catch-up in deepening my understanding of CSS and Javascript.
Even more interesting to me, were companies who were looking for people who were familiar with writing Wikis and blogs. I love using Wikipedia and have long kept a personal blog, but the idea of companies using Wikis and blogs to communicate with their employees, customers, and potential customers is new and intriguing to me.
Question: Will user guides one day become blogs that users can subscribe to and receive daily updates on their personalizing Google or My Yahoo page?
Content Management
Content management (AKA single sourcing, resusability) has been a buzzword in technical writing for more than a decade. Many companies use Framemaker's conditional text feature for single sourcing. However with the advent of databases and XML, single sourcing seems to becoming more of a possibility.
Questions: What are some of the new technical writing tools you use? How do you stay current in learning and assessing new and upcoming tools in technical writing?
In 2003, when I began my sabbatical, a tech writer would have been considered competent if s/he was skilled in using Word, Framemaker, RoboHelp/HTML, and Acrobat. If you wanted to be more marketable, you would've added Illustrator, Photoshop and HTML to your bag o' tricks.
This month, as I persued job listings on Dice, Monster, Careerbuilder, and Indeed, I found some companies are now looking for writers who, in addition to the core skills outlined above, are also versed in web design and content management.
Web Design
Like most tech writers, I'm a bit of a nerd, so I've created my own simple website and blog. The Dreamweaver and XHTML requirements are no big deal. But I'm definitely having to play catch-up in deepening my understanding of CSS and Javascript.
Even more interesting to me, were companies who were looking for people who were familiar with writing Wikis and blogs. I love using Wikipedia and have long kept a personal blog, but the idea of companies using Wikis and blogs to communicate with their employees, customers, and potential customers is new and intriguing to me.
Question: Will user guides one day become blogs that users can subscribe to and receive daily updates on their personalizing Google or My Yahoo page?
Content Management
Content management (AKA single sourcing, resusability) has been a buzzword in technical writing for more than a decade. Many companies use Framemaker's conditional text feature for single sourcing. However with the advent of databases and XML, single sourcing seems to becoming more of a possibility.
Questions: What are some of the new technical writing tools you use? How do you stay current in learning and assessing new and upcoming tools in technical writing?
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
12 Forms
I'm approaching the final days in preparing for my black belt test. I have 9 boxing forms and 3 weapon forms to peform and am beginning to practice the forms back-to-back.
It's scary to think of testing, but also exciting. Lately I've come to understand that achieving a goal means moving towards that goal when I feel like it and when I don't, when it's fun and when it's not...big steps, little steps, backward steps, and the occasional leap.
I've learned more boxing forms than I thought possible. I didn't think my brain could do it. And yet, I know I've only brushed up on the outside edges of kung fu.
It's scary to think of testing, but also exciting. Lately I've come to understand that achieving a goal means moving towards that goal when I feel like it and when I don't, when it's fun and when it's not...big steps, little steps, backward steps, and the occasional leap.
I've learned more boxing forms than I thought possible. I didn't think my brain could do it. And yet, I know I've only brushed up on the outside edges of kung fu.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Speaking words of wisdom
I've been wrestling with jealousy SO HARD. Another martial arts instructor has become full-time...more and more...it's like I'm becoming the #3 and he's becoming the #2. But, even in my envy, I must admit that he made a full-time commitment and he is very good at the business. He's naturally the #2--but my ego still snarls.
It was with this snarly attitude that I read one of the student's essays on what his goals are for the next 5 years. His first goal is to develop a strong spiritual relationship with God. His second goal is to learn and really master kung fu. He pointed to Philippians 3:12 as his guiding verse.
I was awed and humbled. This essay was written by a 14-year old boy. He has his priorities in the right order.
And so I read Philippians today, and these things jumped out at me:
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:13
It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Philippians 2:14
Do everything without complaining or arguing
And so, I can be at peace again
It was with this snarly attitude that I read one of the student's essays on what his goals are for the next 5 years. His first goal is to develop a strong spiritual relationship with God. His second goal is to learn and really master kung fu. He pointed to Philippians 3:12 as his guiding verse.
I was awed and humbled. This essay was written by a 14-year old boy. He has his priorities in the right order.
And so I read Philippians today, and these things jumped out at me:
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:13
It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Philippians 2:14
Do everything without complaining or arguing
And so, I can be at peace again
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Meeting God
I believe that the Bible is absolutely true yet faith is something I really wrestle with.
It's hard to lay down my wants for my life and embrace the commandments of God. The idea of a God who created for me, cares for me, and absolutely loves me is wonderful but also terrifying.
I think of the way God appeared to Moses--I would crap my pants if a burning bush started talking to me. I think of the things Jesus did. If I saw someone walking on a stormy sea, I would freak out.
And I think of the things God called people to do: Abraham to move 600 miles from his home and to offer Isaac as a sacrifice; Moses to confront a powerful government official, negotiate the release of 2 million people, and to become the leader of those people for 40 years. Noah to build a huge boat when it had never previously rained and to gather a zoofull of animals.
God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. What was it He saw in those people that he could use? I think he still calls people like that today.
I would be kind of scared to be called by God. Even though he created me for a purpose and I would find the ultimate fulfillment in that purpose, I'm still suspicious. I guess I still have the idea that my plans for my life are better than God's--even though that hasn't really worked out for me so far.
It's hard to lay down my wants for my life and embrace the commandments of God. The idea of a God who created for me, cares for me, and absolutely loves me is wonderful but also terrifying.
I think of the way God appeared to Moses--I would crap my pants if a burning bush started talking to me. I think of the things Jesus did. If I saw someone walking on a stormy sea, I would freak out.
And I think of the things God called people to do: Abraham to move 600 miles from his home and to offer Isaac as a sacrifice; Moses to confront a powerful government official, negotiate the release of 2 million people, and to become the leader of those people for 40 years. Noah to build a huge boat when it had never previously rained and to gather a zoofull of animals.
God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. What was it He saw in those people that he could use? I think he still calls people like that today.
I would be kind of scared to be called by God. Even though he created me for a purpose and I would find the ultimate fulfillment in that purpose, I'm still suspicious. I guess I still have the idea that my plans for my life are better than God's--even though that hasn't really worked out for me so far.
Wednesday, February 12, 2003
Sunday, June 14, 1981
Kelly and Garth @ Magic Mountain - June 1981
Garth was my first college boyfriend. We met at a fraternity party. The house where the party was hosted was a split level home. I was sitting on the floor of the living room at the lower level and Garth was standing in the dining room at the upper level and holding a red rose. Garth caught my eye, sniffed the rose and threw it down at my feet. In that instant, I was completely smitten.
Garth was a big time surfer and skimboarder, worked in the warehouse of Lucky supermarket and smoked dope from time to time. I loved that he had a kind heart and a huge amount of goofy optimism toward life. He always wore 501s, Oxford shirts and Flojos and drove a beat up Camaro (when it was working). He was a huge romantic and brought me cards and flowers nearly every time he saw me.
He had a learning disability so he'd dropped out of school. That was difficult for me because I value education. After we parted ways, he returned to college and studied a foreign language so he could serve in the mission field in China.
We dated from the winter of 1980 through the fall/winter of 1981. I loved him madly but I knew he wasn't "the one." I knew that, if I stayed with him, I'd never graduate from college or become a better person.
And yet, he still broke my heart when I found he was cheating on me--especially because I found out about it from my best friend. I remember running from his apartment in tears, looking at the cracks in the sidewalk and thinking, "This is the last time I'll ever see these things."
My Mom always shared the Gospel with my friends. Garth was no exception. Years later, he became a pastor and went to China on a mission trip. I think he ended up being a youth pastor. He sent me a letter apologizing for many things in our relationship. I lost track of him decades ago and never expect to see him again on this side of heaven. I look forward to seeing him again in eternity.
Friday, May 01, 1981
Blast from the Past: Spring Sing 1981
by Dwight Cummings - Staff Writer
Acts based around the theme "if they could see me now" were presented by campus clubs competing during Long Beach City College's 30th annual Spring Sing held May 1, 1981, in the Liberal Arts Campus Auditorium.
"The Spring Sing is one of two big events for clubs," Lisa Williems, Spring Sing committee chairman said. "Winning this event is very important to the clubs. There was fierce competition."
Sponsored by the Associated Student Body, Spring Sing has a dual purpose, according to John Fylpaa, Associated Men Students adviser. One of the event's major purposes is to raise money for scholarships. half of the money raised goes to the individual club scholarships and half goes to ASB's general scholarship funds. In addition, Spring Sing is a well-attended social event, a fun-filled campus caper.
Cecil Davis, college police, estimated that 750 people view the clubs' performances this year. For the first time, the audience was treated to a multi-visual presentation. As groups performed on stage, slides were projected in the background. According to Fylpaa, the slides added another dimension to the show.
"I think Spring Sing is a fine example of students using a variety of different social skills, working through a process to come out with a final project," Wells Sloniger, student affairs dean and faculty sponsor, said. "I think it's a fun and rewarding experience for the students involved."
Judging from the audience's reaction, the show was well-received. Dave Pedersen, master of ceremonies, had to ask the audience to quiet down during performances.
Entre nous won the women's division with Vidar taking the men's division. Unicorn Enterprises won an uncontested coed division. TNT took the sweepstakes award. Other awards presented were for the men's and women's charity drive with Ramayana taking firs and TNT second in the women's division.
Willems explained that judging was based on choreography, costumes, evidence of practice, musical quality, originality, utilization of stage, interpretation of theme and overall entertainment.
"Spring Sing is an event to look forward to every year," Vidar alumnus Kent Matheney said. "It's just an experience for the clubs to open up and just have fun."
An elderly man in the audience gave an on-the-spot critical review. "I thought everyone enjoyed himself," the man said. "It was a bit like watching the 'Gong Show," 'The Lawrence Welk Show' and a 'Weekend Special' all wrapped into one."
TNT Members - Fall 1981
Kelly Anderson, Michelle Anderson, Millicent Borges, Sue Bratton, Julieanne Fishbaugh, Julie Falie, Mona Gardener, Nicolette Glavinic, Jodi Hein, Isa Macias, Debi Manley*, Bonnie Muis, Jeri Murry, Denise Paulson, Erinn Pine, Shari Powell, CC Sadler*, SindiSewak, Pam Smith, Yvonne Torres, Cathy Trujillo, Shawnee Watson, Susan Webster, Sally Wildasinn
*Vidar Little Sisters
Vidar Brothers
Pat Brubaker, Mario Castro, Paul Chandler, Larry Conkings<, Rik Crabtree, Mark Geiger, Jeff Gerhardt, Garth Hudson, John Johnson, Tim Jones, Don Murry, Bill Norris, Bill Randall, Doug Rynerson, John Toyama<, Tim White
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