Will there be snow?

I grew up near Chicago. Winter there is often described using phrases like "bitter cold" and "sub-zero temperatures". Never a dull winter with a daily wind-chill factor nipping at your nose. Since my mom's family lived here in Portland, we'd make the long 9 hour trip from Northern Illinois about every other year for Christmas. I remember how badly I wanted to get away from the cold and the snow and the ice and enjoy a warmer Christmas. I suppose I hated the snow because it was my brother and I that were drafted every year (often many, many times) to shovel the driveway and sidewalk (where, by the way, no one would ever walk -- it was 12 degrees below zero outside for cryin' out loud!). Huffing and puffing we'd clear it off only to be back out there sooner than later because a fresh blanket of the white stuff had just fallen teasing us as if to say we'd never win that fight. But even with all that, snow meant Christmas was here and Santa was on his way. Yes, I loved and hated the winter wonderland my childhood home became every year...

As I grew older, I didn't mind as much...mainly because I got to enjoy winter in a different way soaking up the sentiments of the season. By the time I reached college age and moved to the south (Arkansas to be exact) for 4 years, I actually found myself wanting at least a little snow - which sometimes we would get. And I'd long to go home for Christmas to see that beautiful snow on the ground (the drive and sidewalk now cleared by my dad who now owned -- you guessed it -- a snowblower). Now, almost 10 years later, here in my home of Portland, with my 3 kids, I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...nothing more or less mind you. Just enough to bring out the beauty of winter for Christmas; to have a snowball fight or two with the family; maybe make a snowman and have a good reason to stay home in front of a warm fire. So, the question is...will there be snow for Christmas? If not, I guess I can always go buy it in a can -- just to have something to shovel...

Merry Christmas!

Movies Worth Seeing

In case I've never said it (and even if I have)...I'm a HUGE movie buff. I'm the kind of person who gets a slight high from sitting in a dark movie theater, surround sound at deafening levels, the smell of freshly popped popcorn and just soaking in the cinematic experience. To me, it can be one of the most awesome forms of escapism from our often routine lives -- especially if it's done just right. Now, I realize that not everyone enjoys the same types of films that I enjoy..but lately I've seen some great films that if you have time over the holiday, warm up the TV, turn down the lights, pop some popcorn and watch away...I promise, you won't be disappointed. Here's a list of films and short reviews to check out...

Robots

OK, OK...I know this one's a little past due, but took the kids to see it when it came out in the theater and even bought it off pay-per-view recently. The animation is very good but the voice talent is terrific. Ewen McGregor, Robin Williams, Drew Carey, Amanda Bynes, and the ever comedic Mel Brooks. It's a story about fulfilling dreams. Whether you've managed to live out yours or left it on the table, this story reminds us all of the importance of learning to pursue our passions to make the world a better place. The kind of dreams that are born from a desire to serve others, and not yourself. Good family film...and the kids love it!


The Polar Express

This one's out on DVD now (and I think they re-released it into the IMAX theaters too). It was a bit of a sleeper hit last Christmas season due to the simultaneous release of The Incredibles (also good!). It got off to a slow start when it was initially release around Thanksgiving, but by Christmas had gained some real steam (no pun intended). It's another animated film, but different than the traditional animation -- this one is done fully on computer (aka - CGI). Tom Hanks stars in this one (not surprisingly) and voices 5 or 6 different characters (see if you can catch them all). Based on the very popular children's book by Chris Van Allsburg, this movie is primed to become a new Christmas family classic.


King Kong

OK...not even released yet -- but will be in a week and I'm there! But let's face it, these days, anything that Peter Jackson touches is bound to be pretty good. Check back in a month to see if I've been and what I think...will it be worth the $8???


White Christmas

When Irving Berlin penned this song in the warmth of a California summer, little did he know what lay in store for this now-classic tune. Many renditions of the song have been recorded and published over the years, but none as famous as the one crooned by Bing Crosby. But in 1954, Paramount produced and released a movie of the same name starring (you guessed it) Bing Crosby and, one of my other very favorite actors, Danny Kaye. Basically a story of faith, love and hope in the magic of Christmas and the Christmas season, White Christmas is truly a timeless classic. For me, you can't beat it for quality of music (I mean, come on...it's Irving Berlin!), quality of acting, and a great story that pulls you in and somehow, with very little effort, manages to get you to invest in these characters as they show that one of the greatest gifts we can give is hope and love. It's on DVD now so you can rent or buy...


Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Val and I went to see this when it opened in theaters a few weeks back. Although I'm not a reader of the books, I have kept up with the movies and liked them all. Although we didn't have Harry Potter growing up, we had other books and forms of fiction like it and perhaps that's why I enjoy the movies so much. I'd read the books but I just don't have time anymore. This is the 4th of the Harry Potter movies (and books) and I must say, this is by far the best one yet. It's a little more mature than the previous 3 (it's received a PG-13 while the others received only a PG) but rightly so. Harry and his friends are older and are experiencing the ups and downs with growing up. And being teenagers they face new challenges and learn that standing up for what is right can result in terrible suffering, even loss of life depending upon the force you are facing. It's a hard lesson to learn, but it is fact. This is a worthwhile movie-going experience -- but don't feel the need to rush out to the theaters either. It'll be out on DVD by spring I'm sure.

Well, that's it for now. Thanks for stopping by. Check back around Christmas as I'll be trying to post various updates and articles over the next several weeks to commemorate the 2005 Christmas season! Merry Christmas!!!!