Journey of Kong

Alas, the journey has come to an end. Kong has come and gone.

For me, it has been an insightful and instructional travel over the past several months since I discovered the production diaries.

Since the first day of filming, Peter Jackson, the director of King Kong and Lord of the Rings, has been publishing online video diaries detailing the creation of this cinematical marvel. Every 3-7 days, a free video would be posted, where Peter himself talked about each aspect of production, and answered questions that were posted on the Kong is King fansite.

Everything from the types of cameras and a day in the life of a film reel, to the filming of "bigatures" and the 3D modelling of Kong. The diaries have been a fantastic film study and essential in showing a true behind-the-scenes look on exactly how a movie is made. Sadly, they are not completely available for free anymore, so you'll have to buy the DVD set.

Viewing the original 1933 production of King Kong, in all it's colorized glory, brings you even farther into the mind of a director. Seeing how they've redone the scenes and various elements from the original film, as well as which are new, and which were left out.

And finally, the 2005 film itself. Awesome from beginning to end. Sure to be a winner of countless Oscars. Really, you have to see it for yourself, and on the big silver screen.

Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

It's fantastic. That's all you need to hear. Now go and see it. Even the people over at cinematical agree.

Seriously though, it's a beautiful tale, well told and true to the original books. Despite his original reluctance to his stories being adapted for film, I think C.S. Lewis would have been more than pleased with the results.

More than just pretty pictures and excellent acting, the story and message behind the premiere movie in the series is loved is by Focus on the Family to the point that they have released all sorts of additional material to share the message of the film.

Go and see this film... it's an epic adventure to rival that of Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter.

Aslan is on the move.

More Changes in Life

I'm sad to say that today, my pet, friend, and companion of over 8 years has passed away.

Duke was a fantastic dog. He was always well behaved, strong, loyal, cuddly, and a sucker for belly rubs or a spoonfull of peanut butter.

It's amazing how, when you have Jesus in your life, you find ways to praise Him even when life throws you a curveball. Even through the tears and crushed hopes, I am still reminded of the many fond memories and joyous times.

I am very thankful that Duke has lived well up to his final days, despite the disease that we knew would eventually spell his death. He had many fine days of laying in the yard under the sun, and playing with his sister. I am also thankful and awed at the countless lessons the Jesus has tought me through Duke's life. Loyalty, ownership, responsibility, duty, nurturing, training, discipline, and disciplining.

Changes and Confusion

Just last evening, my family got the news that the Merrickville house has just been sold to someone else.

It was the house that we've been trying to buy for a year and a half now. My parents have always wanted to live there, and felt called to go ahead and make the offer. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to sell our current house, and so have been stuck with the pressure of legal battles.

Near the end, the situation simplified itself into one simple (and difficult) matter of trusting God. If He wants us to move to Merrickville, then He will provide a way. And, well, our chance and dream has ended with the close of the estate.

We are still on the verge of losing our current house, but we are confident that God is now keeping us here for a reason. My family and I are still not entirely sure what that reason is, but we're excited to find out.

Christmas Light Rock

Looks like an eccentric guy down south has been spending huge numbers of hours each year putting together displays of synchronized christmas lights timed to music.

Carson Williams has 16,000 lights on his house, linked back to a computer and animated to music. Anyone outside of his house can tune in to a short-ranged FM radio transmitter set up to hear the songs as they're played. Check out this awesome video of his house performing Wizards of Winter from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

And if you're really daring, you can even build your own light display.

Another potentially great Christian reach out, if handled properly. Thnk about it... wild and crazy lights going on and off, and cars lining up for miles to see the show, and tune in to your selected christian music. (perhaps David Crowder, DC Talk, or Newsboys?)