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jadedwolf56 · 11 years ago

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The Comic Book Guru Reviews: Guardians of the Galaxy

SPOILER FREE!!!

I need to confess right away before I get too far into this and sound like a gushing comic book fanboy, when Marvel announced they were making a movie based on “Guardians of the Galaxy”, I was a partial skeptic. While I had heard of the comic book series the movie would be sourced from I had never read any of them. However, I also had faith in Marvel Studios. They were the ones who rolled the dice by taking the reigns themselves with “Iron Man” in 2008 and launching the “Avengers Initiative” in cinema form and it paid off in dividends. So while I was a little apprehensive about this direction I also withheld any pre-judgment until I saw the trailer and the movie itself.

Well, I am glad I did because “Guardians of the Galaxy” absolutely rocks! In fact, you are wasting your time reading this when you could be out there right now at your local theater watching this movie and having as much fun as I did when I watched it. So why are you reading this? Go watch the movie!

Still here?

Well, ok…

I suppose I will write this then…

“Guardians of the Galaxy” does something that not a lot of movies do anymore: it entertains people. It doesn’t rely on social messages to make a point. Instead, it makes people feel good for spending their money for over-priced tickets and insanely priced snacks and sit in a room with complete strangers who may or may not have silenced their cell phones and/or child (they come with a mute switch, right?). It makes people leave the theater laughing and talking about the movie. Even the older people sitting in our theater in Bartlesville were enjoying it. That’s quite the feat considering this is supposed to be science fiction plus superhero movie. These are usually two genres that make the older people wonder what hash pipe the young folks are smoking.

It takes place in space with outrageous settings and funny looking aliens and yet feels more down-to-earth than the other Marvel films. It does not get lost in scientific mumbo-jumbo (like Star Trek often does) nor is too cheesy like most of the flicks on the SyFy channel are. Instead, the elements of science fiction are merely the landscape to the story being told. Ironically, while there is one Earthling human in the form of Jason Quill aka Star Lord (played by Chris Pratt), the talking raccoon and living tree express more human qualities and seem more relatable. That is one of the many geniuses behind this film.

A lot of critics and reviewers have been noting the nostalgia feel to this movie and for once they could not be anymore right in their opinions. There is something familiar about this film enhanced by the soundtrack of classic 50-70’s soul and classic rock songs. The movie doesn’t take itself too serious but also doesn’t make it into complete cheese where it loses all credibility. Even the post-credits scene is a throwback to one particular nostalgic 80’s film so stay after the credits and see if you can recognize this foul character…

Comparisons have been made to “Star Wars” and while those can be made I think it somewhat limits the overall brilliance of “Guardians”. However, it does take me back to how I felt when I first watched the original “Star Wars” (pre-George Lucas Special Editions and the prequels) when it was not taking itself too serious. “Guardians of the Galaxy” is that romping-stomping good time through space that the original Star Wars was before it became this serious symbolism of all things epic. To sum it up, if comparisons are going to be made, then Star Lord is basically Han Solo long before he met up with Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia. Then again, Rocket Raccoon is Han Solo and Groot is his Chewbacca.

Comparisons aside I believe “Guardians of the Galaxy” is one of the best and most original entries into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. James Gunn did a terrific job of taking all these sci-fi elements, using them, but not estranging the human audience it is intended for. He made a movie based off a comic book intended as another entry into the MCU and yet if you have never read the comic book, nor watch the other Marvel films, you can enjoy this one without recognizing all the Easter Eggs us comic books fans will.

The actors chosen fit their role as comfortable as a good pair of shoes. Chris Pratt delivers the wit as the self-proclaimed “Star Lord”, Bradley Cooper voices the devious and humorous Rocket Raccoon, and although Vin Diesel only utters the same three words throughout the movie he accomplishes this by changing the emotional tone of his voice to fit the situation. Zoe Saldana continues to add sci-fi females to her resume as the assassin Gamora, kicks butt, and delivers some funny moments with Chris Pratt. Dave Bautista shows he can have some charisma as long as the writers know how to utilize him. The fact James Gunn can get some good talking scenes with the pro wrestler and yet the WWE writers cannot shows the current weakness within the Sports Entertainment industry.

It’s action-packed, it’s hilarious, and it even has its tender moments which once more come from the unlikely alien but more human-relatable characters Rocket Raccoon and Groot. In fact, my wife almost cried during one scene involving the alien duo.

Finally, it is kid-friendly. There was minimum cursing, there were no teases of nudity like the trailer showed, and I think your more understanding kids will enjoy it. I will be taking my two older kids to see it this weekend.

I really don’t know what more to say to convince you to go see this movie for the first time, the second time, or even the third time. It’s just that good! I recommend taking friends, family members, homeless Joe, whoever and seeing it. I guarantee you and those around you will have a good time.

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jadedwolf56 · 12 years ago

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Memorial Day 2013--Legacy of Service

I need to be honest. When I signed up for the Army National Guard I do not know why I did so. There was no reason behind it. I just felt compelled to do it. The recruiter at the Tulsa State Fair of October 1997 asked and I said “sure”. Honestly, out of all the guys I was hanging around that guy I was probably the least expected to enlist.

What followed were years of begrudging service in something I was not really passionate about. I admit I even skipped a few weekend drills here and there. The technical term is I went AWOL. Yes, I pulled a George W. Bush. Toward my last year in the National Guard; however, my attitude began to change. I stopped counting down the time to my last day and instead wondered if I was going to actually get out or stay in.

In August 2001, I decided I needed to do something more with my military career. I was no longer in college; I had dropped out. I could find no job and I was about to marry for the first time. I had no sense of discipline, no sense of direction, and I was about to be something I had always dreaded; a workless bum.

So with no other options; or perhaps more honestly the personal drive to seek other options I went to the Army Recruitment Center to switch to Active Duty. My National Guard First Sergeant was more than relieved to hear of my decision and hastily signed the paperwork to release me.

What followed was a tough transition period. All my sense of independence and self-reliance had to be thrown aside and instead I had to learn to work with others. I had to learn there was more to what I did than just providing for myself and my family. I had to learn what it meant to put my life in someone else’s hands and have someone else’s life in my own.

Jack Nicholson’s character Colonel Jessup in the brilliantly produced movie A Few Good Men posed the question, “Ever put your life in another man's hands, ask him to put his life in yours?”

Like Tom Cruise’s character Lt. Kaffee I would have to answer “no, no I have not.”

Yet here I was in an organization I had no business being in and really had no idea why I had started back in 1997 within it. Yet I just felt compelled to. I served for twelve years total in the United States Army.

With all its rocky moments, its hard knocks style of learning, it has been one of the few most prouder moments of my young life thus far. I count it up there with my current marriage, my two children, and my soon to be born son. I separated from military service in January 2009 and I regret nothing from my time in.

However, from time to time I sit back and think about why I joined in the first place. What compelled me?

Flash forward about fifteen years later in December 2012 and for the first time in thirty-three years I finally locate my father. My father, Floyd Craig, passed away June 17, 2005. The last time he saw me I was three. I do not remember him and never saw a picture of him until just a few months ago. In the last few months I have reconnected with one of my aunts from the Craig family. I just met her for the first time this Memorial Day Weekend and it has been from her I have begun learning my family history.

What does all of this have to do with Memorial Day?

A few years ago, while still in the Army, I took my children out to a cemetery to pay respects to a soldier who was slain in 2006. My daughter, Sierra, was only four but I still felt the need to start teaching her why we observe Memorial Day. I taught her it is not about the BBQs or get-togethers with family. It is not about the days off from school or work and it is not about the lake or the start to summer vacation. It is about honoring those who served and fought and died for our freedoms.

I have tried each and every year to reinforce that lesson with my children but after learning about my family history I knew I could really drive the point home this weekend. I have not traced back any further before the 1900’s but allow me to share what I do know and what I was able to teach my kids this year for Memorial Day.

I had a Great-Grandfather who served in World War I:

Followed by my Grandfather who served in World War II:

Followed by my father Floyd Craig who served in the Vietnam War:

Serving in the Vietnam War were three of my four uncles Harold, Dennis, and Leroy. There is a legacy of service within my family and although I did not know this back in 1997 this sense of service followed me. Without the guidance or knowledge from my father and his family I still continued the Craig tradition of service to our country.

I do not write this blog to brag. I write it to share what it means to serve. I am honored to be in a family who served our country when she called. I can now understand why I joined as well in the first place. It was in my blood.

The Bible says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,”—John 15:13 (NIV).

I shared this thought with my children yesterday as we laid flags at my father’s and grandfather’s resting place. I shared what it means to serve and what it means to honor those who have served. Not only are they honoring strangers they have never before met but they are also honoring their family.

This morning as we were packing up in the hotel to leave my daughter says, “Dad, I thought about it and it’s an honor to be in a family who has served in almost every war since the 1900’s.”

It is an honor and through my ups and downs with my time in the Army I hope I carried the Craig legacy well and I hope my father can be proud of the tradition I carried on. It is also an honor to have served with the best group of soldiers I could have been around. They became my brothers and sisters in arms.

“Nowadays, many Americans have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At cemeteries across the country, the graves of the fallen are sadly ignored, and worse, neglected,”—Allen West.

I hope in the next few years before any grills are fired up, before any plans to the lake are made, and before any trips are planned I hope the first plan made by all Americans is to head to a cemetery with a flower or a flag or a wreath or whatever one wants to use as a symbol of honor and place it at the headstone of a fallen soldier; a fallen sailor; a fallen airman; a fallen Marine.

Honor those who in the wars past and in the wars now served, fought, and sometimes died for our freedom.

Remember some gave all… All gave some…

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jadedwolf56 · 12 years ago

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Introducing “DoucheCanoe” by Abercrombie & Fitch

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jadedwolf56 · 12 years ago

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My Rebuttal to Black History Month

Galatians 3:26-29 – For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (KJV).

Racism is something I will never understand. Honestly, I have held certain things against certain individuals. For some it was because they were alcoholics. Others it was because they smoked or they were into drugs or some other vice which I disagreed with. Never in my life did I ever look at someone and looked down upon them because of their color. In the same mindset never did I look at someone and show favoritism toward them because of their color either.

Maybe I should have been a racist. After all, growing up in the small town of Bristow, OK, I heard terms like “nigger-lover” and black people referred to as leeches. As a kid I never understood those terms. In school I had made a few black friends. They seemed like normal people to me. I knew they looked different but I did not think they were different. Although I was around those who demonstrated prejudices I made the choice early on not to be prejudice. That has been the story of my life really. In the battle of nature versus nurture I have defied the odds and gone against what I grew up around.

With all that being said I have never understood Black History Month. I laugh at the BET channel, laugh harder at the Miss Black America Pageant, wish the ACLU and the NAACP would take a long walk off of a short cliff, and lack respect for Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Why? Because if anyone is spreading racism, if any group are continuing the racial divide it is these people and organizations.

I realize I am voicing an unpopular opinion but those who know me should know I rarely have the popular opinion. I strive to speak in truth, honesty, and fairness. I have shared the Morgan Freeman interview several times now from 60 Minutes. Those who have not seen it need to YouTube it but I will share the quote here. In fact, I need to share the whole transcript of the interview because it is powerful.

MIKE WALLACE, CBS`s "60 MINUTES": Black History Month, you find...

MORGAN FREEMAN, ACTOR: Ridiculous. WALLACE: Why? FREEMAN: You’re going to relegate my history to a month? WALLACE: Come on. FREEMAN: What do you do with yours? Which month is White History Month? Come on, tell me. WALLACE: I’m Jewish. FREEMAN: OK. Which month is Jewish History Month? WALLACE: There isn’t one. FREEMAN: Why not? Do you want one? WALLACE: No, no. FREEMAN: I don’t either. I don’t want a Black History Month. Black history is American history. WALLACE: How are we going to get rid of racism until...? FREEMAN: Stop talking about it. I’m going to stop calling you a white man. And I’m going to ask you to stop calling me a black man. I know you as Mike Wallace. You know me as Morgan Freeman. You’re not going to say, "I know this white guy named Mike Wallace." Hear what I’m saying?

Now Morgan Freeman is black. We all know that. So why is there disdain toward BHM from Morgan Freeman?

I believe Freeman’s message is clear. Racism continues because not only are there racist people out there but also because the people from various races being discriminated against are the same ones promoting separation, or segregation.

A co-worker of mine once made a comment on her Facebook concerning Miss Black America Pageant. She thought it was pointless. Why? Because the regular Miss America Pageant allows all people of all race. There is not a Miss White America or Miss Latina America. There is a Miss America. However, for some reason, although blacks are allowed in the Miss America Pageant they feel the need to have a black only pageant. That is segregation.

I personally do not have a problem with BET (Black Entertainment Television) because I view it the same as G4 being for video gamers, Spike TV being a man centered channel, or Lifetime focused on women. What I do have a concern about is what if some channel creator comes along and decides to have a white only channel? Would there be acceptance or would the ACLU, Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton cry out about racism?

As Morgan Freeman so eloquently explained racism continues not because there is not enough awareness of black people. It exists because there is so much emphasis of the color of people’s skin and the need to be reminded constantly of the atrocities committed against one another.

It is sad 150+ years later after the end of slavery we are still paying for our ancestors’ crimes. After all the struggles of ending segregation we are still punished for what our grandfathers and parents did. I do not know about anyone else but true freedom, true liberty is being able to let go of the past and its sins and continue moving forward. Not looking in the past, not condemning ourselves for our ancestors’ actions, but instead looking ahead and living in the present.

Furthermore, the reality of this situation is that it is not just white people’s fault about slavery. After all, it was an African king who sold his people into slavery to the white Europeans. It was Hispanic explorers who crossed the Atlantic Ocean and wiped out the Mayans and Aztecs. It was a combination of white and blacks who after the Civil War pushed westward across North America blazing a trail by killing off Native American tribes they encountered. History is full of people from all cultures of all ways of life killing off or enslaving another race because of differences. It is not just white people versus everyone else. It has always been everyone versus everyone else. When does it end?

Martin Luther King, Jr., had a dream that all people of every race, skin color, creed, and everything else would be able to live together without the bonds of apartheid which plagued mankind before his time. MLK said, “I have a dream this afternoon (I have a dream) that one day, one day little white children and little Negro children will be able to join hands as brothers and sisters. I have a dream this afternoon that my four little children, that my four little children will not come up in the same young days that I came up within, but they will be judged on the basis of the content of their character, not the color of their skin.”

When programs are created to help the “minorities” like welfare, scholarships for minorities, race-based television, or affirmative action does this sound like “the content of their character” that MLK said his dream was about? Or does it sound like entitlements based on the color of skin?

I once took a college course focused on African-American history and from my studies I became fascinated with the writings of Frederick Douglas. Douglas was a former slave who became freed and then became an advocate for all blacks to be freed. I still have one of the required reading books on the writings of Douglas. F. Douglas said, “We deem it a settled point that the destiny of the colored man is bound up with that of the white people of this country. ... We are here, and here we are likely to be.”

Douglas knew his fate, as well as the fate of his fellow brothers and sisters in bondage were bound to the white people who were slave owners. There could be no separation between the two races. So why are we so determined to do so today? Why do we call blacks, Indians, Hispanics, and every other person not colored white minorities? Do we want equality or equality as long as one group prospers over another?

Douglas went on to say, “We shall neither die out, nor be driven out; but shall go with this people [white people], either as a testimony against them, or as an evidence in their favor throughout their generations.”

Douglas understood the permanence of his people in this nation and the actions of the blacks in his time and throughout the generations would face a challenge. That challenge could consist of seeking vengeance against their former oppressors or rising above the hatred, the oppression, and yes even the agony of slavery and forming an unbreakable bond of humanity with their former oppressors.

To summarize this lengthy note on this subject I do not believe Black History Month highlights a culture. I think it unfortunately divides rather than bring people together. I do understand the importance of knowing our past and history but that history should intertwined as we the people are intertwined.

Having different cultures is a beautiful aspect of our humanity. However, forcing acceptance of different cultures will not unify but rather divide us. It has divided us already.

I see the beauty in different cultures through cuisine. I love to eat. I had the privilege of being surrounded by a multi-cultural group of soldiers during my time in the Army. The last few years I was able to experience Korean and Vietnamese food for the first time ever and I enjoyed it. Food gave me an appreciation for the two cultures. So much so I even attended a Vietnamese Catholic Mass service with my Vietnamese friend. I was not forced to. I wanted to.

In order to gain acceptance we must show each other our significant beauty, be willing to share it, and not highlight our differences based on skin color. We need to highlight how our cultures, not skin color, are different but can be enjoyed by all.

As Morgan Freeman said black history is American history. There would be no America without black people. There would be no black people in America without white people. This formula works for all people who are here in this country today. We would not be here without one another. Although the birth of our country was born from painful struggle that is how birth happens. Just ask a woman!

Bottom line, we in the present day and age should not be held accountable for the sins of our ancestors. We should learn from the past but not be condemned. We study the past so we do not make the same mistakes in the present.

How do we stop racism? Well, Morgan Freeman said it best: “Stop talking about it.”

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jadedwolf56 · 12 years ago

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Sacred Marriage

As many people are at church or preparing to go to church, I thought I would step back into the blog-sphere with my personal Christian thoughts and devotions. Today’s topic has to do with a conversation my wife and I had just this morning as we were slowly getting around.

Now I know what some of my readers may be thinking here. Who’s this guy to be talking about marriage? He’s only been married again four months.

Thanks for pointing that out. It is past our four month anniversary! Happy Anniversary wife of mine!

Seriously, I know I may be new to this marriage but it does not mean I have not learned from my first marriage. More importantly I have had time to learn about marriage from the Bible. So with that being said here are a few thoughts about marriage from the Bible and from a personal perspective.

Hebrews 13:4 – Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral (NIV).

I have a friend whom I met in the Army many years ago (I can’t believe I’m old enough to say that but alas…) who has had a rough patch in her marriage. I will not go into details here for her sake but I will say part of the problem was this couple not keeping the marriage bed pure. They invited multiple partners into their bedroom and while they thought it was enjoyable they did not really see how it was corroding the base of their marriage.

Flash forward to a few months ago when my friend told me her husband had been caught having an affair with someone else. She stated how mad she was for her husband committing adultery. I wanted to tell her it was not just him for she had also done it as well. She had invited adultery into their marriage and adultery took advantage of them.

I think it is perfectly natural to have fantasies for we are human. However, we are called to have self-control and not to allow those fantasies to take root and become real. My fantasies often involve riding on horseback, slaying the dragon, and right alongside me with my Sif-like wife slaying the beast with me. It is a good fantasy but you will not see my wife and me acting it out anytime soon.

Keep the marriage bed pure and not just by ensuring there are only you and your spouse in the bed. Keep it pure by your thoughts, what you view, what you listen to, and whom you associate with. Sometimes even the people you hang out with can cause you to defile your marriage bed.

Another way a bed can be defiled is not necessarily by immoral sexual acts but also how a wife honors her husband, or a husband honors his wife. This morning my wife and were talking about some of the things we no longer do since her and I became a couple. As a single woman my wife frequently visited bars and clubs, hitting the single scene with drinks and single female friends. When we cemented ourselves as a couple; however, she no longer did those things. Even before we married my wife gave that scene up.

Many times her still single friends (or sometimes her confused friends in a relationship) have asked her to hang out with them at the same places. She has politely turned them down. Why? In my wife’s heart and mind our marriage is more important than what she used to do. This is not to say my wife has abandoned her single friends. She still likes to get together with them for lunch or a dinner, maybe invite them to the house, but as far as doing the things she did with them as a single woman there is no room for that.

That is just one example of the things we gave up. Some other things we had are more personal so I will keep those private. The bottom line is I have counseled friends and family who struggle with this concept. They feel they should still be able to go to bars and party and it is no big deal. It is a big deal though. It is a very big deal. If a spouse is uncomfortable with anything you are doing then it needs to be addressed. Find out why they are uncomfortable and come to a solution about it.

However, be prepared for them to point out something you are doing which is causing friction in the marriage. Do not become defensive but instead be open to it. You are not perfect either. I struggle with that. I like to think I have it all figured out but my wife humbles me. I have learned to take her advice and put into work in my personality.

The whole point of this though is if a person wants to make their marriage work then they have to work. They have to give up certain activities which are causing problems or could cause problems. After all, in marriage it is no longer about the self.

Matthew 19:6 – Why they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together let not man put asunder (AKJV).

One flesh, a married couple, are no longer two but one. Let me ask anyone who reads this a question: are certain friends really worth severing the bonds of marriage?

Romans 7:2 – For the woman which has [a] husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he lives (AKJV).

This verse is for husbands also. Husbands are bound to their wives for as long as she lives. Respect and honor one another. Be bound to one another. Do not allow anyone or anything to get in between your spouse and you. Marriage is sacred.

Finally, Facebook is a wonderful tool. It has allowed me to reconnect with friends I have not seen in a long time. My life’s journey took me far away from my hometown and back again so Facebook allowed reunions to occur which normally would not have occurred. I have found old childhood friends and even family I have never met.

However, Facebook can also be a dangerous tool. It can be used by people who think they are doing certain vile things in secret. Wives think their husbands will not know what goes on in the cyber world of social media. However, God knows and in time the truth will reveal itself. Why bother with the potential problem? It is not worth it.

This is why within the last week, and in the weeks to come, I have cleaned out my Facebook friend’s list. Not because I am being a snob or I think I am better than them but rather because my marriage, my present life is more important than they are. My challenge today for any married couple who reads this is: Is your marriage more important to you?

Until next time…

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jadedwolf56 · 13 years ago

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Disturbs me to live in a society which thinks punishing the innocent will prevent the guilty from breaking laws.

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jadedwolf56 · 13 years ago

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Nuff said...

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jadedwolf56 · 13 years ago

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To my brothers and sister-in-arms who are still serving I thank you for your continual service. To my brothers and sisters who have served their time I thank you for all you have done. To those who have come before and since came after and paid the ultimate sacrifice upon the altar of freedom there are no words I can adequately express to show my appreciation. No greater love is shown then someone who would lay down their life for another. Remember those who have served, are serving, and who have fallen.

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jadedwolf56 · 13 years ago

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I have to thank FOX 23 News in Tulsa, OK, for posting this picture as their Facebook cover photo. I hope they do not mind this writer using it, not only for my cover photo, but also for this posting. Today as I was driving my girlfriend and kids back home from Springfield, MO, we were driving past a cemetary on Glenstone Avenue. My girlfriend told me to look at it and within the cemetary were rows of gravestones with the same appearance and configuration as the markers at Arlington Cemetary in Virginia. I made a left turn immediately and drove through the cemetary slowly looking at the gravestones of my heroes, my predecesors, my fellow brothers and sisters of the Armed Services who died a veteran, a hero, a martyr. I took the time to pass on to my kids the reason for Memorial Day and the sacrifice and heroism of these soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors who gave so much so we could have so little. I hope it is a lesson my children never forget.

"All gave some, some gave all..."

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jadedwolf56 · 13 years ago

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As I was driving today (and riding cause my awesome girlfriend agreed to drive the rest of the way home from the border of MO), I was thinking about how I'm trying to redevelop myself into someone who does not get ran over by his friends and family. I don't mind helping people when they need it but I'm starting to really grow tired of the leechers, those who want others to provide for them instead of providing for themselves. Because I have had successes suddenly I'm the "it" person but I say no more. Will Smith hits the nail on the head in this picture quote.

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jadedwolf56 · 13 years ago

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Congratulations Bristow Class 2012

I had the privelege of attending the 2012 graduation of the Bristow Purple Pirate Seniors. I had not been to a graduation there since my own in 1998. I have to admit I flashbacked a little to when I walked across the stage to grab that blank piece of paper representing my diploma, my right to graduate.

My youngest niece graduated tonight making her the second person in my family to graduate from Bristow, OK, school system. Like myself at her age, my niece has faced adversity in her personal life only to overcome it and push herself to excel. Truthfully, she excelled much further than I ever did when I graduated. My niece technically finished high school back in December and started working right away. She is driven, she is smart, and I am extremely proud of her.

I was really impressed with the ceremony and most shocking to this writer was the invocation by each of the Valedictorians to God. The second Valedictorian even quoted a scripture from I Corinthians. Most large city schools would not allow that sort of religious talk but in Bristow, America, it's a small town with churches on every street corner so the Bible is known there.

The second Valedictorian gave a stirring and passionate plea to her classmates to find salvation through Christ, follow Him, and lead others to Him. She placed her faith in God and God alone. It was shocking but at the same time encouraging to know this generation is not as lost as we think they might be.

Again, I am proud of my niece and her accomplishments. My advice to her as I wrote in the card I gave her is to continue making the right and smart decisions and know all she has accomplished is because of her hard work. No one can take that from her. I hope she remembers that because the world is filled with people who are jealous of other's successes, unable to succeed on their own, and therefore try to bring those down who can and has succeeded. I hope my niece will remember that God is with her, she's strong, and she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to.

As I sat in the bleachers at Hafer Field watching my niece and her classmates this thought came to my mind:

I was never a Valedictorian, I was barely a National Honor Society member, and I did not have as many "accolades" as some of my other classmates. However, I realized tonight looking back none of that matter. What matter was what I did after high school. If I could talk to any high schooler it would be none of this matters. What matters is how we live our lives when we are finally free to live it.

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jadedwolf56 · 13 years ago

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The Avengers Review by Comic Book Guru

I will try to contain my over-abundance of excitement concerning my review of this movie but I will admit this probably will not be a neutral review. I absolutely loved this movie!

If you are familiar with Joss Whedon's work; i.e. Buffy, Angel, and Firefly (in particular), then you understand Joss Whedon has an unique ability to put together many different characters with their different personalities, watch as they conflict with each other, but then meld together as a team without losing their individual selves. That is exactly what happens in The Avengers.

How does one combine the patriotic and dutiful Captain America with the lone-wolf, egotistical, and cocky Iron Man? How do you place an emotion ticking time bomb in the midst of a team which also features a demi-god who controls lightning and thunder? Let's not also forget throwing in two assassins with their own past who might seem out of place amongst a team of super beings.

Joss Whedon does it all though. Hawkeye and Black Widow are not just side-bit characters who play second fiddle to the big guns. They are both integral to the plot of the overall story and their time on the screen is well-spent. Robert Downey, Jr., is his best Tony Stark and lets loose many great pop-culture references including calling Thor "Point Break" (Patrick Swayze reference). Thor gets to be Thor completely in this movie and lets loose all his Norse-god powers. The Hulk... The Hulk SMASHES!

Speaking of the Hulk there were a lot of fans who were upset Ed Norton did not return. I was one of them but after seeing Mark Ruffalo as the gamma-radiated giant I started scratching my head saying, "Ed who?"

The Avengers delivers the hype and is well worth the time invested in the movies leading up to this one. The Avengers made waiting in the theaters after credits to see little tidbits of what's to come worth it. The whole experience has been worth it. The Avengers delivers on action, story, plot, characters, comedy, and an overall thrill ride which grabs your attention right from the start and does not let go. Even the 3D was done well and did not distract from the enjoyment of the film.

The Avengers is a must see movie and is definitely the best movie to kick off the summer movie season. I can foresee The Dark Knight Rises in July being the only competition this summer but it will be close.

Is this movie recommended for kids? The film is rated PG-13 which means technically it's not suitable for children under 13. The truth is there were only a few curse words; i.e. "damn", "ass", and "S.O.B.", but they were few. There is a death in the film so if you have children you do not want to see a person dying then you might wait. The film is a comic book movie and features superheroes constantly fighting so if you don't want to expose your kids to violence then again, do not take them. Otherwise, there may be some scary scenes but The Avengers is worth taking your children to.

All in all the Comic Book Guru (that's me folks) gives this movie: 10/10 easily! There were no gaps in the storylines, no dull moments, and no stalling in it. My attention was solely kept on the screen at all times. Highly recommended! I will be taking my kids to see it this weekend.

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