Howard Hughes 

"The Aviator"

Martin Scorcese's film, "The Aviator" starring DiCaprio is a must see. Even if you don't enjoy flying, Hollywood's glamour days or Howard Hughes trivia, this movie will make you re-think all that.

It's probably the best film I've seen DiCaprio as he plays the eccentric billionaire as both darkly driven and racuously visionary.

What really "takes off" in this film is the story of Howard Hughes, which is what all good story-telling will do. It doesn't center on the great performances of its cast, which it has plenty to boast. It makes you want to read up on the great Texan who despite all his success called himself an aviator first and foremost.

It also is wonderful to see a film that is lavishly done as only Scorcese can do...evoking the old Hollywood glamour, complete with lavish sets and deep set red lipstick.

Don't miss it...but take a snack. The 3-hour movie can drag in some places but sustains overall.

Psalms 46:1 - 4

I took a "spirituality quiz" to find out that I'm a "questioning believer". Really?

http://www.beliefnet.com/section/quiz/index.asp%3FsectionID%3D%26surveyID%3D27

God Is Our Hope
God is our hope and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof rage and swell, and though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same. There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
- Psalms 46: 1-4

I don't want to be reflective this year

Since I spend way too much time being reflective, I just don't feel in the mood, even though it is New Year's Eve. I am ready to unwind on the couch with some great chardonney and movies with my favorite people in the whole world...my family.

I spent most of today ransacking my office and finishing out month end...we did well...still work to be done, but we're on the right track.

I watched a great show tonight on Encore television
6:15PM

The Cutting Edge: The Magic Of Movie Editing Rated TVPG, 1h 37min

I had no idea the power of editors on film making. This documentary creates the desire to be a movie editor. Great information and very entertaining. Takes kind of the fun out of watching movies, but it does testify to the storytelling art of movie making.

New toys, new year

I bought myself a new camera...the Kodak Easy Share 6490. WOW...it is quite a package. I love the software that allows you to share photos easily...one step shooting is what Kodak claims and it truly is wonderful.

So you'll probably start seeing more photos in this blog in the new year. I've been working on final end of year numbers and deadlines and am just about wrapping it up for a quite New Year's with my family.

I'll probably see some new movies. I really want to see "Hotel Rwanda". As I have been thinking and praying about the tsunami victims, it brings to mind just how much of the world suffers.

Sacred Prayer site

I found an interesting site this morning while browsing the web...

www.sacredspace.ie

It has even an "online retreat" which may be an oxymoron for some that desire to be "unplugged"....I found it wonderfully refreshing and hope to make it a part of my daily routine in upcoming new year.

Two great things in the NYT This week

Gotta see it-- the Annie Liebowitz photo shoot that evidently produced the new American Express campaign (My Life, My Card stuff)...There is a shot of DeNiro inside the NYT Magazine that is a heart stopper. This photo captures DeNiro in motion, his hulking back to us, trenchcoat swirling around his knees. It's as if we are experiencing all the dark, enigmatic features of this actor. The best part: you only see half of his face, which draws us into the DeNiro mystique. Is he a good guy? A bad guy? Both? We don't know, but we love watching DeNiro in whatever he does. He's an actor we trust, we feel confident with..even if he is shooting up bad guys (or good guys). You know that if he is on your side, your side wins.

The next thing in NYT which is worth taking a look...

www.nytimes.com/weekinreview

Robert Deniro at his grizzled best.