In “Nacho Libre” Jack Black lives up to his “I’m an idiot” super-fame.
I was shocked at the Napoleon Dynamite similarities in b-flick cinematography and plot wackiness. I think the movie would’ve become more of a cult-following-favorite if it had made it to the screen a few years earlier and not “in response” to other cheap-trick flicks that became so popular before its debut.
As a pastor I, of course, enjoyed and may use some of the spiritual-applications that are present in the film. There’s a great “baptism” scene as well as some scenes on prayer that could bring-about useful discussion.
In all, I enjoyed the movie and I’m sure that somewhere there are pockets of “Nacho Libre” fans who can quote the entire movie and know it forwards and backwards, but I will err on the side of NOT being one of those people, thankyouverymuch.

Now on the Hallmark aisle: Gay marriage cards
-or-
Hallmark: the latest Christian boycott

Man-Stats

8.20.2008 — 3 Comments

AskMen.com recently polled their readers to investigate who and what is “the modern man.” I read about the survey and results over at the ChurchRelevance Blog.

The survey-site is NOT a church-related site, so I like that the results are “un-biased” and we can get a clearer-picture of what the opinions outside the church are today. I would assume that many of these results would be similar inside the church, too, though.

What makes a man a manly man in 2008?

  • 52% say, “Being a good father and/or husband who takes care of his family.”
  • 19% say, “Being a leader and motivator.”
  • 16% say, “Having many skills, like the ability to fix things.”
  • 7% say, “Being charismatic and popular.”
  • 4% say, “Being a great seducer and/or lover.”
  • 2% say, “Being wealthy.”
  • Have rumors of a recession affected your spending habits?

  • 47% say, “No, I’m still spending the way I always have.”
  • 40% say, “Yes, I’ve tightened up my budget to meet increasing prices.”
  • 13% say, “Yes, I’ve tightened up my budget to put emergency money aside.”
  • Do you believe in marriage?

  • 70% say, “Yes, I believe it is a necessary institution, and one that I will participate in to help preserve.”
  • 20% say, “No, I don’t believe in it strongly but I’ll probably end up getting married anyway.”
  • 6% say, “Yes, I believe in it as an institution, but it’s not for me.”
  • 4% say, “No, I think it’s a dead institution.”
  • Should a couple live together before marriage?

  • 60% say, “Yes, it is a good test to put the relationship through before marriage.”
  • 21% say, “Yes, living together is pretty casual.”
  • 10% say, “No, a man should enjoy his freedom while he can.”
  • 9% say, “No, it is not morally acceptable.”
  • If there was no chance your partner would find out, would you cheat on her?

  • 37% say, “No, I might be tempted, but I love and respect her too much.”
  • 32% say, “No, I might be tempted, but cheating violates my morals.”
  • 15% say, “Yes, but I would feel guilty nonetheless.”
  • 13% say, “Yes, she can’t be hurt if she doesn’t know about it.”
  • 3% say, “Yes, I already cheated on her.”
  • How old were you when you lost your virginity? (67% as a teenager)

  • 2% at 12 or younger
  • 2% at 13 (7th/8th grade)
  • 4% at 14 (8th/9th grade)
  • 7% at 15 (11th/10th grade)
  • 13% at 16 (10th/11th grade)
  • 15% at 17 (11th/12th grade)
  • 15% at 18 (12th grade)
  • 9% at 19
  • Some Other Interesting Stats

  • 69% are concerned about the effects of global warming.
  • 66% say a man should never stop playing video games.
  • 55% of men don’t play fantasy football.
  • 24% consume 0 alcoholic drinks each week.
  • 13% never send text messages.
  • Why not?

    8.19.2008 — 4 Comments

    It’s anonymous:


    A few nights ago Jess and I were FINALLY able to watch Will Smith’s serious role in “The Pursuit of Happyness”.

    Based on a true story, this film grabs at heart strings I didn’t know I had! I found myself humbled and grateful for where I am at this stage of life. God has blessed me with a wonderful family, an opportunity in ministry that He continues to bless and MORE than enough to survive day-to-day!

    The film follows Chris Gardner through very difficult times as economic hardships threaten to destroy his family and his life in general. Our hearts are wrenched at the thought and sight of his son being along for the very difficult times.

    Thankfully the movie ends on a positive note with Gardner’s hard work paying off and his being rewarded for sacrificing so much!

    After viewing the film I would now love to know more of the true-story that this was based on.