Charming film about, what else?, un abuelo. At the end of the land-holding aristocratic era for Spain, the count (el abuelo) returns home from his trip to the Americas. He finds he loves his grandaughter and wishes to stay with her: except he doesn’t know which of the two daughters of his daughter-in-law is the true heir!

A surprisingly entertaining and timely film. Set in the backdrop of an Enron/Anderson type of corporate meltdown, it only slightly exaggerates the reaction of suburbinates faced with the end of the comfort and luxury that they have enjoyed by placing their hopes on increased future earnings. I especially like the ironic deportation of Dick. I recommend it for it’s worker-eyed view of corporate disaster.

Though hundreds of years seperate us from the 14th century monk, the somtimes foregin prose nevertheless reminds the reader of the need peace and continual zeal in leading a life of faith and virture. The book has helped me lean on Christ and satiate the hunger of my soul. While I agree with the critique of individualizing tendency, the reader who remains conscious of individualism in our own culture can still benefit greatly from this spiritual master. I’m stil in “Book One”, so my thoughts remain provisional.

Quirky but geniunely funny and intelligent. I especially appreciate the references to Becker’s The Denial of Death, Beowulf, and Joyce. Makes me feel good to have had something of a liberal arts education.

McLaren explains how Christians, who desire to embody the trues of old, are changing to new forms. He describes, in narrative, how believers can be authentic and faithful in the North American, postmodern, relativistic context. I have recommended this book to young people, especially students, who want to explore the relevancy/power of their faith.

Very interesting insight into the torturous experience of living inside the black metal casket. A bleak and sympathetic view of Vader. An excellent book for gaining insight into the Dark Lord.

Some good basic questions to consider about mate compatability. Pretty standard, really. Nevertheless sometimes it’s good to be reminded of the basic questions. As good as many other books on finding a Christian life-partner.

Quite entertaining. Rawling deserves much of her fame for constructing a fascinating wizarding world. However, the book suffers from a bit of a let down at the end. The build-up of a weapon that He-who-must-not-be-named had been seeking for months is deflated, revealed to be a potentless prophecy.

How can we do ethics not from the places of power and privliedge, the center, but from the context of the powerless? De la Torre articulates a view of Christian ethics from just that context. So far, quite an exciting read.

We got a bit obsessed with this film last week; kept watching scences over and over again. The appeal is mostly in the music but the the costumes and production design are impressive. Critics tended to undervalue the film.