STAR TREK

I went by myself to see it tonight. I sort of agree with Jason's review, that it wasn’t as “different” as maybe it was billed to be. In fact, call me crazy, but it actually reminded me a little of the most RECENT “Star Trek” movie, “Nemesis,” which everyone hated (but me).

**SPOILER-FILLED PARAGRAPH**

I liked it. My biggest complaint, though, is the big (and I mean HUGE) thing they wrote into the story that permanently changes everything in the “future” (meaning, PAST) episodes and films. I’m talking about the **SPOILER--highlight to read** destruction of Vulcan, and to a lesser degree, the death of Amanda. But I “get it” that this movie is a literal “reboot” which means the possible forthcoming adventures for THIS cast is whatever the writers want it to be. But as a longtime fan of the previous franchise, that bugged me a little. But only a little. Great movie, and I found myself “choking up” a tad during certain moments as the characters I’ve loved since childhood were developed more fully. I had several “Wow–that makes sense!” moments, and I also enjoyed the ironic moments, such as **SPOILER** when Bones says he likes Spock after their first encounter. Too funny!

NEW MUSIC TO CHECK OUT

OK, I hate to sound like a broken record lately with my post topics, but remember those entertainment items I'm really looking forward to?

Well, Dream Theater (one of my absolute, all-time favorite bands for the past 14 years) has released a video for their new single, "A Rite Of Passage." Check it out! Awesome! Their new album, Black Clouds & Silver Linings is due out on June 23.

Along the same lines, perhaps the most influential band in my life, Stryper, has released their second single from their forthcoming album Murder By Pride (due July 21), entitled "Eclipse of the Son." You can download it from iTunes. Their first single from this album was actually released months ago on iTunes, a cover of Boston's classic "Peace of Mind." The band will be releasing a new song each Tuesday from now until the release of Murder By Pride, but as each new song is released, the previous one is removed. So in other words, you only have one week to download each new song!

GUITAR HERO: VAN HALEN??

Doth mine ears deceive me? I am hearing of an official announcement by Activision that it is developing the oft-rumored Guitar Hero: Van Halen game.

Oh.
My.
Goshhhhhhhh!!!

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

The first Saturday in May is traditionally "Free Comic Book Day." Thanks to Jason for teaching me that!

I took Matthew over to 4 Color Fantasies in Rancho Cucamonga this Saturday for this cool event. We got the autograph of a comic book artist, had pictures taken with various Star Wars and comic book characters, and got 10 FREE comic books! We also ran into some friends including Jason and his family. The day was capped by a lunch at IHOP for Daddy and Spider-Matt!

"Wii WOULD LIKE TO PLAY..."

So I mentioned in an earlier post that we recently purchased a Nintendo Wii gaming system. It has really provided some fun evenings for our family! I've taken some pictures of the fun we're having.

ENTERTAINMENT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO...

So the summer's almost here, and I have some great entertainment to look forward to!

1. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (May 1). When I first heard they were making this, even though Wolverine is one of the coolest members of the X-Men, I thought, "Mmm...but can Wolverine carry an entire movie?" After seeing the trailers, it looks like the answer is 100% "YES," not to mention the fact that there are other mutants in the mix as well, so technically, he's not carrying it "alone." And also not to mention the fact that I've really grown to like Hugh Jackman as an actor and human being. By the way, did you see him host the Oscars? Brilliant! We have Australia waiting for us at home via Netflix. We're awaiting a 3-hour block of time for Susan and I to watch it!

2. Star Trek (May 8). You know, as much of a Trekker as I am, this one really snuck up on me! I mean, I knew they were making it, and I had high hopes for it despite all the "reboot/reimagining" talk going on, but I have been so preoccupied with everything going on at work that I almost completely lost track of the weeks and months going by, and all of a sudden, it's release is upon us! Seeing the trailers has made me even more excited for this movie, and I can already tell I'm going to love it--reimagination and all!

3. STRYPER Murder By Pride (July 21). Most of you know that I feel I owe so much spiritually to the men formerly in yellow-and-black. Back around 1986, this hard rock act helped bring me to my current relationship with Christ, and I am forever in their debt! They did break up around 1993 and reunited in 2005 with the release of their first full-length LP in 15 years, Reborn. Since then, they have toured all over the world and lead singer Michael Sweet even landed the position of lead singer of the newly-reformed classic rock band Boston! Stryper fans were slightly disappointed en masse by Reborn, not because it was a "bad" album (it's not even possible for Michael Sweet to write a "bad song"), but more because it didn't sound like the Stryper they remembered. People like me understood that, after 15 years, the music HAD to change or they'd be laughed at as irrelevant and as nothing more than a "nostalgia" act. But the band heard the concerns and Michael Sweet has come through with an album that is more reminiscent of the classic Stryper (harmonizing guitars, soaring vocals with occasional "screams,"etc). How do I know this? Two reasons: 1) Lead guitarist Oz Fox came to my school in February 2008 and let me hear it; 2) you can download the single "Peace of Mind" on iTunes, and hear samples of the rest of the songs at www.michaelsweet.com. I truly feel that Stryper is on the verge of a commercial comeback with this album, and I can't wait to get my hands on it!

4. DREAM THEATER Black Clouds & Silver Linings (June 23). I am such a huge fan of Dream Theater, it's almost a given that I'm going to enjoy their 10th studio album. I readily admit that Dream Theater is not for everyone. They are hard rock, but with VERY technical musicianship as they add Progressive elements to their brand of rock. But I also love classical music, and Dream Theater, to me, is like classical music cranked up to 11, with distortion! I'm not a Dream Theater Kool-Aid drinker, though. They have put out some albums that I enjoy less than others. But in general, it's rare for me to "not like" their work--at least I appreciate all that they put out as artists! Each member is a virtuoso in their own right, and it makes it hard for me to "come down" to listening to "regular rock bands" when I'm in a Dream Theater mood.

5. KISS Untitled (Fall 2009). If you know me at all, you also know what a KISS fan I am. Their 1976 classic album Destroyer was the first record ever bought for me (Thanks, Mom!). I know there are lots and lots of critics of this band, including former fans who are upset that original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss are no longer with the "still-reunited," makeup-wearing foursome. But I've seen the current lineup perform and I have to say, they are technically a better band now than they were in their heyday. With this as-yet-titled album--their first in over ten years--KISS has promised a return to their classic rock roots. This is essential for this band, and I think it's going to create at least another hit song for them. I am really looking forward to this one!

6. ACE FREHLEY Anomaly (Fall 2009). Ace is back and he told us so! The original guitarist for KISS has had a long, long journey to recovery from dependency. He's been on-and-off the wagon for years now. But since leaving KISS (a second time) in 2001, Frehley has truly appeared to have cleaned himself up once and for all, and in the meantime has been working on this latest solo album which many fans feared would never see the light of day. He has given some "sneak previews" at his website, and it sounds like it will not disappoint. Ace was always my favorite original member of KISS, more because of his quirky playing and singing style and fun-loving personality than anything else. When you hear one of his songs, you know it's him! So while I realize that Ace may have some "hiccups" on this album, I am crossing my fingers that, since he's had so long to work on this, every song is a gem!

FAMILY UPDATE

Our family continues to be blessed. Christopher is--amazingly--now 9 months old! He is crawling up a storm, and is already beginning to show signs of cognition that he should be moving about on his feet only! He constantly pulls himself up on two feet. Right now, he is VERY sick (bad cold/flu). I (Todd) stayed home with him yesterday because he was supposed to be at the babysitter's house, and she has a baby just a couple months older than Christopher. He's with Susan's mom today. So if you read this in the next couple days, say a little prayer for him. He's very feverish and lathargic, not eating normally, etc. But no vomiting or diarrhea, thankfully.

Emily is 10, in Fourth Grade, and smart as a whip. She reminds me of myself as a student, though, which is not exactly a good thing. But we are so proud of her talents and her sweet spirit, and her love for the Lord! She sings and dances up a storm (and is actually VERY good--others have told us, so it's not just our bias coming out), and she's improving in her piano playing. She loves watching "American Idol" with us and making her own comments about the performances (and she's usually right-on)! We constantly find ourselves weighing the pros and cons of having her audition for bigger things, as she is such a talented little girl. So please pray that the Lord would guide us in those decisions, and that He would protect Emily in the process. Emily is also VERY helpful with the baby! One of our friends calls her "Mommy #2."

Matthew is a very energetic 7 year-old with a joyful smile that beams! He loves collecting bugs and studying things. We can almost see wheels turning inside his head as he examines things. That's very promising for a Science buff like me! Maybe he'll be our engineer or astronaut (or both)! He is very inquisitive and eager to learn. He plays the violin and is making strides in that area as well.

Susan is having a pretty good year in her position as high school Choir/Orchestra teacher. Her kids are very talented and they are getting great remarks from judges as they perform at festivals. On a personal note, Susan is exhausted. It is very difficult to juggle the demands on her as a teacher, mother, and wife. From my perspective, she's doing a great job. But she is tired--Christopher still does not sleep through the night, and if you know Susan, you know she loves her sleep! I help her as much as I can, but it's still tough. With Mother's Day coming up, it reminds me of what a terrific woman she is, and I am so thankful the Lord brought us together!

The kids and I just finished Easter Break last week. For the past several months, I've been saving up Best Buy gift cards for a video gaming system. Over the Break, I bought our family a Wii, and "wii" love it!! We especially enjoy the Wii Sports game and Mario Kart. We also love playing the Rock Band or Guitar Hero games! You should see Matthew on the drums! He tears it up (in a good way). I'll post some pictures of our Wii activities soon.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support--we've especially felt them this year and we know the Lord has responded! I'll post more details about my job situation in the coming weeks as I will be more free to divulge things then. Our love to you all!