Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
MOVIE
Release date: 06.15.07
89 mins. / PG

SPOILERS INCLUDED! The cast and crew of the first Fantastic Four film are back, and the four mainstays each turn in good work (especially Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis). Great CGI with the Surfer and Torch, but a bit weak on the elasticity of Mr. Fantastic. The biggest criticism I have is with Julian McMahon as Von Doom. His acting skills work well enough, but his voice has a menacing factor of zero. When he wears the mask, he doesn't inspire dread or exude power, and comes across as a non-threat. Which means the only real villain left to face is a giant cloud...that they don't even actually fight. An enjoyable comic book film, and better than the first in the series, but not even close to X2 or Batman Begins status. C

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Iris to Iris • Building 429
MUSIC
Release date: 05.01.07
52 mins. / 11 tracks

With this, their third album (would that make it their "junior" disc?), Building 429 seems to be settling in with a more grown-up sound. The made-for-radio singles sound about the same as before, and there isn't as much bite on the other tracks. But it works. Of their three discs, this is the one that was least impressive on first listen, but after a few more spins it grew on me. There aren't many songs that scream "hit!", but when taken as a whole album, it's the best disc these guys have put together. B-

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First up was the Creation Museum, located in Petersburg, KY, which is in the middle of nowhere. And the signs pointing the way are a bit small, so keep your eyes open if you go. The museum was more enjoyable than I thought it might be, and although a few sections struck me as a bit heavy-handed, the majority of it was educational and thought-provoking. It's around $15-$20 per person, depending on any discounts you might get or specials they are running.

One thing worth noting is that the museum does a great job of presenting the evolutionary point of view alongside the creation story. At each stage of the journey, you are able to see the logic of human reason and understanding side-by-side with the Biblical account. It's laughable to think you would ever see the creation story in a "science museum" yet this place presents both sides of the argument and, while clearly bent towards one of them, it encourages visitors to think things through. I also appreciated how the argument isn't merely a scientific one (although the science is clearly explained) but also a theological one. In other words, how creation works with what we know about God.

Throughout the museum are intricate models, like the ones showing Noah's ark, and expensive-looking animatronics, like the velociraptor. There was clearly a lot of work and money invested into this museum and it doesn't suffer from poor quality. People may argue the validity of the viewpoint, but they can't label the facilities as inferior. I would have to say that the highlight of the museum for me was the 30-minute show in the Planetarium (an extra $5 per person). I've always been enthralled with outer space, and this was a very informative, well-presented look at the cosmos.

One final thought: the bookstore/gift shop had a ton of books and DVDs about the museum and the scientific principles behind it (as you would expect), so there are plenty of chances for more reading. But it also had a good selection of non-creation books by guys like: John MacArthur, Charles Spurgeon, John Owen, and more. It was a pleasant surprise.

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Next up was Newport Aquarium, located right on the Ohio River. It may not look like much from the outside, but you will see some amazing things inside. The cost for each adult is $18, but there are usually coupons in those hotel brochures or through places like AAA. Kids and senior citizens are a bit cheaper.

After starting off kind of slow (and crowded), things spread out a bit and you begin to see more and more exotic creatures as you go. We saw a 200-pound snapping turtle, a tentacled snake, giant piranha, manta rays, and -- of course -- sharks. There are more variety of fish than you can keep track of, and even an aviary where tropical birds will come and land on your shoulder.

And, at the very end of the aquarium are the penguins. It was amazing to watch the penguins dive in and hop out of the water with ease, and just as amazing to watch all the people who sat captivated by it! There were easily more people at this display for longer periods of time than anywhere else along the way.

One quick word of warning to those who are a bit frustration prone: I can't think of very many places that are more difficult to take good pictures. Between the fast-moving fish and the constant reflections off the glass, it makes snapping a good shot tough. Seeing a bunch of consecutive blurry images on your digital camera can start to wear on you. But be patient. There are good pictures to be had, even if they are few and far between. I took about 300 images on our visit, and I'd say about 45-50 turned out good enough to look sharp at full-size. (Although I'm aware this may say more about my ability than the conditions.)

The aquarium is located on the Levee, which also features eating and shopping. Although, as Tricia pointed out to me, there are about a dozen places to eat and about three places to shop. It's a bit unbalanced in that area, but still a nice place to spend some time. 

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  Friday June 15

> Ruth Bell Graham, the wife of Billy Graham passed away yesterday at age 87. She and Billy met 65 years ago. It can never be easy for a spouse to die, but I was impressed with how grateful Billy seemed for the decades and love they shared. As a person who's only been married a bit over two months, the idea of decades is a bit hard to grasp, but I would love it if the Lord gave Tricia and I that much time together. I am very blessed to be married to her and I thank God every day for such a wonderful wife.

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  Thursday June 14

> At church last night we studied Mark 1:21-45. Near the end of that section of Scripture, Jesus heals a man who had leprosy. The man came to Jesus, on his knees begging for help. Jesus was deeply moved by this man's request and healed him.

These days I'm trying to read the Bible better. To remember that when the authors wrote their gospels they weren't as interested in recording history (though they did) as much as telling me something about Jesus. So when Mark uses a phrase like "moved by pity" to describe Jesus, he's trying to tell me something about the character of Christ. Jesus isn't some cold, heartless icon. He has compassion for people.

I can't help but think it would have been easier for Jesus if he hadn't healed this man. Once word of his power to heal got out, he was mobbed by the sick everywhere he went. Jesus could have justified leaving this man a leper, but instead he had compassion. He was moved. And he selflessly gave, knowing what it would cost.

It was the same attitude that led him to the cross for my sin. I want that same kind of compassion for others, a desire to meet their needs in a way that honors God. Once again, Jesus shows me how it's done.

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  Tuesday June 12

Skin • Ted Dekker
BOOK
Release date: 04.03.07
395 pages

Ted Dekker has confused me. I remember reading his earlier works like Three, Black, and Red and being genuinely excited about having a new author on my list. Especially since he seemed to churn out books about every other month. But from White on I've been less and less satisfied with his books. He's a talented writer no doubt, but this story seemed more like a good idea for a story than a good story. There's not enough weight in the dialogue or the characters. The result is a book that's easy and quick to read but one that doesn't stay with you very long after you close the cover. D

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  Saturday June 9

Ocean's Thirteen
MOVIE
Release date: 06.08.07
113 mins. / PG-13

This reminded me a lot of Ocean's Eleven in all the good ways. The cast and chemistry were great, and nailed the humor right on. It used a bit too much foul language for my taste, but not excessively. And there were times when I felt like this movie was trying too hard to tell me it was a cool movie with cool stars that I should like. But those are minor gripes. I left the theater more satisfied than with any other movie so far this summer. B+

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