Thriller of the Week- The Monster

In 1925, Lon Chaney not only made The Phantom of the Opera but he also starred as the heavy in a film called The Monster. The movie is one of the first examples of the horror-comedy. Johnny Arthur supplies the comedy element in the film playing, Johnny Goodlittle, a store clerk with aspirations of becoming a detective.

As fate would have it, the mysterious disappearance of John Bowman, a wealthy member of the community baffles the local constable at the scene of his abandoned,wrecked vehicle. Johnny, a milktoast of a man and his rival Amos Rugg have accompanied the constable. What the investigators don't know is what the viewers saw at the beginning of the film. Bowman's car accident was no accident. A shrouded figure had been lurking at the roadside and when Bowman's vehicle came down the road, Rigo (as he would come to be known) lowered a mirror in the roadway causing Bowman to think an oncoming car was going to crash into him. Bowman swerved and wrecked the car. A secret tunnel opened in the ground and Bowman was carried away.

Johnny stumbles upon a clue at the crash site. It points to the local sanitarium, but he is ignored by the constable and Amos.

We soon learn of Johnny's love interest in the beautiful Betty Watson the general store owner's daughter, played by Gertrude Olmstead who is being courted by Amos.

At the conclusion of a party, Amos drives away with Betty and Johnny is left walking home when he runs into a strange man and begins following him. Rigo, again sets up his mirror trap and this time it is Amos and Betty who fall victim to it. The man Johnny is following is also part of the scheme and Johnny sees the wreck and he too falls into the hidden tunnel trap in the ground and then Johnny, Amos and Betty all tumble into the sanctum of the asylum where the patients have taken over the asylum and are led by Dr. Ziska, played by Chaney.

From here the story plays out like an Old Dark House mystery and Johnny must use his ingenuity to free Betty, Amos and himself.

Ziska (Chaney) and Rigo

The movie is more comedy than horror and Chaney takes a back seat to Arthur because of it. Chaney does a good job of portraying menace, however. Chaney's expressions add menace to the line Ziska states after his captive guests ask him "Doctor, shall we see you in the morning?"

Ziska's response, "Who knows if one will ever see the morning."

Amos, Betty and Johnny survive Ziska's trap

All in all The Monster is a pleasurable 86 minute film and it helped pave the way for later horror comedies.

Presidential Tales

I just completed reading two similar but very different books. Both books recount historical accounts of past presidents. One is an autobiographical account; the other is a fictional biography of one of our greatest presidents.

In the introduction of Seth Graham-Smith's Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter, the author reveals his interactions with a mysterious stranger who presents him with 10 leather-bound books and a bundle of letters all penned by our 16th President of the United States. The writings go on to reveal the secret history of Lincoln's life.

Lincoln's life is unfolded in an interesting style as the author writes in a traditional biographical style interposing both brief and long exerpts from Lincoln's own hand.

Lincoln's story begins during his boyhood in Indiana with the tragic death of his mother which would shape much of Lincoln's character and his discovery her death wasn't a result of "milk sickness' but the act of a vampire. The story continues to reveal Lincoln's personal vendetta with the undead and how every event in his life was shaped by it. We learn how vampires worked behind the scenes shaping the events leading to Civil War and how vampires both warred with and protected Lincoln.

Interestingly enough the book is actually a pretty accurate account of Lincoln's life. Most of the major events are told but here for the first time we learn the unknown truth and meaning behind these events.

It didn't take long to read the 336 pages and I was thoroughly entertained. Additionaly, a number of photshopped photos from Lincoln's life are scattered throughout the book adding more realism to the account.

An amusing anecdote was told to me by one of the doctors I work with who read the book. Evidently, he left the book on the dresser by his bed and his wife came along and looked at the cover. She picked it up, read the title again, then sat it down and commented to him "I didn't know that about him." True Story

Incidentally Tim Burton is producing the film slated to be released in June of 2012. The Russian film director Timur Bekmambetov of the Nightwatch and Daywatch films has been tabbed to direct the film.

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George W Bush's memoir, Decision Points doesn't mention any behind the scenes vampire tales but does give the 43rd president's perspective on his 8 years in the oval office. The book reveals the inner man. He comes across nothing like the stereotype Dumb Cowboy the main stream media often portrayed him as.

Bush comes across as thoughtful, competent, compassionate and intelligent. Without question he is a man grounded in his principles.

Obviously, Bush's account of 9/11 and the aftermath is engrossing. As well, the revelation of what went into making the decisons to send troops into combat in Afghanistan and Iraq were enlightening and should be read by those Bush bashers who believe he haphazardly led our country into war.

If Iraq turns out to be a stable democracy in the region, I believe history will judge President Bush in much better terms than when he left the office. I supported the war in Iraq from the outset and never waivered. I found myself at odds with both conservative and liberal friends as both fell in disfavor of the war as it wore on and extracted so much in devastation and human life. I always felt it was important we took the fight against terror and tyranny to the enemy rather than respond to acts of terror on our shores. The Iraq war not only relieved Iraq of a tyrannical dictator who given the opportunity would have done anything to cause harm to the United States but it also caused terrorist organizations in the region to concentrate their efforts on the insurgency rather than planning new attacks on our country. The war exhausted their resources and led to the capture and death of many of their leaders.

Bush defends his decisions about the war not with bravado but thoughtfulness. He certainly didn't make the decison lightly and he stuck with it.

Bush honestly examines his mistakes and doesn't make excuses for his failures. He also defends his decisions skillfully. As a conservative, I didn't always agree with some of his decisions, but after reading the book, I came away with a greater respect for why he made the decisons he did.

Of note, it is hard for me to believe Bush is not credited more by liberals for another war he waged, the war against AIDS and malaria in Africa. Bush has a great heart for people and after seeing how disease in Africa was destroying the lives of those on the continent, he acted to not only get necessary funds to those who could appropriately fight the disease but also went beyond and set up programs that bypassed the international community with all the unnecessay delays that were inherent in their programs. His efforts privided necessary medications and treatment and placed additional emphasis on prevention programs. Bush's efforts have been highly successful as "PEPFAR supported treatment for over 2.1 million AIDs victims and care for more than 10 million people.. had helped protect mothers and babies during more than 16 million preganancies. More than 57 million people had benefited from AIDS teating and counseling services." His malaria initiative was equally successful.

Bush weaves his personal perspective throughout and tells behind the scenes stories both shining a positive light on his presidency and tales which are less than flattering to his person. I highly recommend his book to anyone, no matter what their political persuasion.

An Awe Inspiring Video and the Sunday Message 1/23/11

Last week Our church had a viewing of Louis Giglio's "How Great Is Our God" tour.


It was one of the most inspirational video's I have seen. Dr. Giglio tours with musician Chris Tomlin providing inspiration from the scriptures with slides presenting the universe and in this presentation the protein laminin. The presentation is half science, half scripture with the purpose to understand just how great God is and by understanding how Great He is, knowing how little man is. Yet, this great God loves little man. The presentation left me in awe. I found his previous tour "The Indescribable Tour" which was equally impressive and I would urge viewers to see the "Indescribale" tour first. The "How Great is Our God" tour recaps and expands on the "Indiscribable" tour and then moves from the wonders of the cosmos to the wonders of God's creation- man.


I'm looking to purchase both sets. In the mean time I showed both my sons the videos and Kyle particulary was moved as he broke down in tears and praise. For the Christian it is difficult to not have such a response.

I would urge people to buy the videos to see them in their full splendor and assuring the originators receive their due revenue, but if you want to preview them first, the videos can be seen on You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=louis+giglio+hope&aq=5

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday Message 1/23/11
Stumbling Over The Stone

Romans 9:30-10:21

Pastor Paul Woodruff

Israel Would Not Submit to God's Method of Salvation vs 9:30 -10:5

The Gentiles obtained righteousness without looking for it while the Jews while looking for it couldn't see it. Acts 13:38-52

The Jews took the Law seriously, but not seriously enough for the Law says it must be kept perfectly "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all." James 2:10

Only through Jesus Christ can th e law be fulfilled perfectly & the Jews stumbled over Jesus

Israel Wouldn't Accept God's Messiah for Salvation vs 10:6-13

Christ came to them and did all the work- all they needed to do was believe

Isaiah 44:6 ""Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and His redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the first and i am the last, and there is no God besides me."

Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega- The First and the Last

The Jews knew Jesus claimed to be God yet they turn from their ways to Him

Israel Wouldn't Accept God's Messengers of Salvation vs 10:14-21

Man must hear about Jesus and someone must tell them and preachers must be sent

The Jews heard then message but refused it

John 5:38-40- The Jews were unwilling to commit to Jesus

It is insane not to turn to Jesus

Salvation in Jesus is a certainty

Telling others about Jesus is necessary

Hear the full message at the Eagle Creek Grace Brethren Church Website

http://www.eaglecreekgbc.org/Home/SermonAudio/tabid/66/Default.aspx

Trying to Get Caught Up

I am soooo behind.

Since it is becoming increasingly more difficult to keep up with making entries I will probably scale back.
I haven't been able to keep up with my viewing horror movies as I'd like and thus my blurbs stopped awhile back after viewing The original Phantom of the Opera. Hopefuly I'll have a chance this weekend to watch Chaney's The Monster and then report on it.
The notes I take on Pastor Paul's Sunday messages have fallen behind and now that John Hale is putting the audio messages on the Eagle Creek Grace Brethren Church website there is less need to post my notes. I'll probably still post the outlines and the link to the messages but I'll back off on much of the detail.

Both the messages "I would Go To Hell" from Romans 9:1-5 and last Sunday's message "Mercy Mercy" from Romans 9 can be accessed at
http://www.eaglecreekgbc.org/Home/SermonAudio/tabid/66/Default.aspx

Pastor's message "Mercy Mercy" is an outstanding message on Election.

I also haven't commented on the Colt's playoff loss to the Jets.

The game was a heartbreaker. In a grueling game the Colts had fallen behind but a late drive led to a 50 yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri. Unfortunately too much time was left on the clock. The 50 some seconds left were all the Jets needed mostly because the Colt's failed to cover the kickoff well. Antonio Cromartie returned the kickoff 47 yards and the Jets had the ball at their own 46. They only needed to cover 20 yards to be in field goal range. With just 29 seconds left and only one timeout remaining it appeared the Jets were willing to let the clock run down and settle for a long field goal of probably 49 yards. Then inexplicably Coach Caldwell called time out. This gave the Jets an opportuinty for Mark Sanchez to talk it over with the coaching staff and run an extra play. Peyton Manning looked exasperated on the sidelines with his arms raised questioningly. You could tell he was thinking "What are we doing?" What were the Colt's thinking? The next play Mark Sanchez hit Braylon Edwards for an 18 yard play on the sideline. Nick Folk now had a chippy fieldgoal attempt which he made as time went off the clock. Jets 17 Colts 16 Nick Folk may have made the field goal from 49 but his track record hadn't shown he was particularly effective from long range. Caldwell's decison certainly gave him a much better shot.
I'm not one of those stating Caldwell should be fired. That's ludicrous. It was a bad decision, but considering the adversity the Colt's went through this year, He did an excellent job.
The Colt's need not hang their heads, they endured more injuries to key players than any team
should have to and yet were AFC South champions again.
We'll look forward to next year.

Sunday Sermon Notes 1/2/11

"Choose You This Day"
Joshua 24
Pastor Paul Woodruff

Joshua is about new beginnings & what God will do in a life totally committed to Him
Joshua is about living victoriously & experiencing all God has promised

Joshua calls the people to make a choice

Joshua Sets Forth the Motivation to Serve the Lord-- vs 1-13
The Goodness & Grace of God should Motivate us
Whenever one doubts God's call to service thinking it too much one should review his life & remember God's mercy& faithfulness

Joshua Calls for a Decision to Serve the Lord vs 14-15
By and large the people were good but secret idolotry in the camp is revealed, keeping them from full services to God
There was still some hypocrisy undermining their devotion to God
1st John 5:21 "little children, guard yourselves from idols"
God wants & deserves ALL of our devotion
Joshua says choose- don't live with a water downed service to the Lord

Joshua Challenges Their Resolution to Serve the Lord vs 16-18
Joshua points out the people won't be able to serve because God is Holy
Joshua knew the people & knew they would cling to their old ways & he knew the human heart & how man continues to fail after rededication & rededication

Man has a tendency not to fulfill his resolutions. We try to fullfill them in our own power.

We need to think through our decisions & make sure we understand them
Jesus said "You can do nothing without me."
We can't serve God the way we should without the power of the Spirit
Galatians 3:3 "Are you foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?"

Joshua wants the people to seriously consider their decisions & the people continued to say they would serve vs 24 So a Covenant was made vs 25

3 Keys to Serving the Lord in Sincerity and Truth

You must determine in your heart to obey what is written in the Bible
Joshua 23:6 "Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left."

Our decisions need to be based upon what God says. Obedience brings success.

Refuse to Compromise with Sin vs 24:14
Joshua 23: 6-8 is a progression
Be firm in the Word
Seperate from sin
Cling to the Lord

Put away foreign gods & don't mention or serve them- interaction with those things was the 1st step toward compromise

When you compromise with the enemy you will not have victory & you will lose peace- no abundant life if you compromise with sin- Don't live by the world's standards

II Corinthians 6:14-18 ""Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for that partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 'THEREFORE COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPERATE,' SAYS THE LORD. AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; AND I WILL WELCOME YOU. AND I WILL BE A FATHER TO YOU, AND YOU SHALL BE SONS AND DAUGHTERS TO ME' SAYS THE LORD ALMIGHTY."

Resolve to love God with all your heart- Joshua 23:11

Submit to God's Word
Seperate from the World
Devotion with all our Heart

This message can be heard at the Eagle Creek Grace Brethren Church website at

http://www.eaglecreekgbc.org/Home/SermonAudio/tabid/66/Default.aspx

Colts AFC South Champs & other stuff

I now see why alot of bloggers post less during the holidays. It has been difficult to find the time to write down my thoughts and recollections. Not only has Christmas and New Year's festivities demanded more of my time but my job responsibilities have increased and don't show any signs of lessening for the forseeable future. Ahh, Job security-- a blessing during these tough economic times. One has to have the correct perspective.

The inpatient psychometrist working for our Neuropsychology department decided after a long period of service with the hospital it was time to move on. Her departure has left me with picking up the delirium tracking we do on patients and figuring out how to manage neuropsych testing for patients with now limited resources. If anyone knows a pychometrist looking for work, have them contact me.
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So anyway, Sorry I've gotten behind this week on my Colt's rant. Let's hear it for the now

7 TIME AFC SOUTH CHAMPION INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
(pretty cool for a division only 8 years in existence)

This title has to be particularly appreciated for everything the Colt's have fought through this year.

Sunday, Indianapolis completed the 4 game winning streak they had to have to finish 10 - 6 and win the division giving them a 9th consecutive playoff birth. The Colt's 23 -20 victory over the Tennessee Titans didn't come easy. The Titans were expected by many to roll over. Their season was finished and they had nothing to play for but pride. Pride showed up. I was impressed with their game plan. Tennessee's play selection on both sides of the ball was well formulated and their players seemed up to the challenge. All that said, the Colt's prevailed.

This one wasn't decided until the last seconds when Adam Viniteri kicked a 43 yard field goal on the game's final play. With just over a minute and a half before Viniteri's kick the outlook for victory was bleak as Tennesse had recovered a Dominick Rhodes fumble (while the Colt's had been driving toward a go ahead score) and had moved into field goal range of their own. Then a fumbled Center snap allowed Robert Mathis to fall on the loose football on the Colt's 37 yard line giving Indianapolis possession with 1:25 on the clock. Peyton Manning moved the Colts down into scoring position for Viniteri. There was no way the greatest clutch kicker in football history was going to miss the kick.

There hasn't been time for celebration as the Colts must now square off with the 11 - 5 New York Jets who have been chomping at the bit for a chance to get back for their loss last season to the Colts in the AFC Championship Game. In fact, the Jets did everthing they could to shore up their vulnerabilities to the Colt's and New England's passing attacks. In addition, the Colts will be missing 2 key weapons they had last year, Dallas Clark and Austin Collie. Both did mucho damage to the Jets last year. Be that as it may, Peyton Manning has had a great deal of success against Rex Ryan led defenses and since the game is here in Indianapolis, the Colts will have a slight advantage. It should be a close game, but win or lose the Colts should be proud of their collective effort this year.
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Just a Shout out to my brother in Christ, Jim Barnard on his Birthday this 5th of January
God Bless you, Jim!

Judy and I got together with Jim and his wife Cindy and Lee and Charlotte Martin on New Year's Eve and had a wonderful time. Jim fixed up some mean Chili, we played cards and had enjoyable fellowship. It was the first time we have spent any real quality time with Lee and Charlotte and I came away particularly pleased with these new friends. Lee's conservatism rivals my own and it appears we have much in common.

Cindy orchestrated this first get together and we are planning to make this a frequent gathering.
I am particularly greatful as it brings me together with one of my oldest and dearest friends I've ever known in Jim.
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A project I just began is writing my memoirs. I figure I better get started now at the pace I write and the little time to do so. My sister, Stephanie reminds me because I have always been the healthy sibling, I will probably follow after the long life pattern on my Dad's side of the family but to keep in mind that along with the longer lifespan comes the dementia my Dad and his sisters had to deal with. She tells me, "You'll live along time but you'll think you're a hundred when you're really only 80". Since memory for many of the events in my life are already a little fuzzy I better get to work.