mark’s random ramblings

Meet the Robinsons is a Disney cgi-cartoon film made without Pixar. The basic plot (from Netflix):

“In this animated adventure, brilliant preteen inventor Lewis (voiced by Daniel Hansen) creates a memory scanner to retrieve his earliest recollections and find out why his mother gave him up for adoption. But when the villainous Bowler Hat Guy steals the machine, Lewis is ready to give up on his quest — until the mysterious Wilbur Robinson (Wesley Singerman) shows up on the scene, whisking Lewis to the future to find the scanner … and his mom.”

Going into seeing “Meet the Robinsons” I didn’t have any high hopes except that it looked like fun. And it surely didn’t disappoint.

The characters were lots of fun, and the plot was actually interesting. There are some great zingers (”I don’t’ think this plan was thoroughly thought out”), and you finish the movie feeling good. I am happy to say that the “cartoonish” look totally fits the film, and it deals with all sorts of crazy things…

Overall 5 stars.

When I decided to add “A Mighty Heart” to my Netflix queue, I wasn’t sure I’d actually be interested in seeing it. The film is a telling of what Daniel and Mariane Pearl went through when Danny was kidnapped and killed by “The National Movement for the Restoration of Pakistani Sovereignty.”

The film version of the story stars Angelina Jolie as Mariane, who is the main character of the story, going through the range of emotions once figuring out that her husband, Danny, has been kidnapped. It chronicles the efforts to find him, and the ultimate loss in the murder of Daniel Pearl.

First, I was very surprised by the acting quality in the film. I don’t usually like Angelina Jolie, but she was just amazing in this film. I was moved by the telling of this story, and glad to know this story. My heart goes out to Mariane Pearl for her comfort, and so that she can find true peace from God. I don’t really have words to talk about this movie, as I was really touched by it.

I hope that the members of the group that took Danny Pearl also can find true peace which comes from God.

Four Stars.

Humbly,

#Mark

So, I went to the Signature Room (Lounge) last week for the first time with friends for a friend’s birthday. the view was just amazing. I mean, I really love Chicago, but it was great to have a new view of the city.

It was a great evening. The baked brie was great, but the rest of the appitizers we ordered were just ok. But then we went and ate at Cheesecake Factory (in the lower level of the Hancock… we went from floor 96 to floor 0… ha!)

Here a picture:

View from the Signature Room facing to the north

#Mark

So the Passover season is about to be upon us. Passover is my favorite Jewish holiday. It speaks of rememberance, past redemption, and personal salvation.

As we go through the Passover Seder, each symbol points me, and us to the Messiah. The lamb shankbone reminds us of the animal that was sacraficed to put the blood on the door frame of the house, so that the angel of death would Pass Over the house. In order to be passed over, you had to be “covered” by the blood.

Likewise, in order to be forgiven from sin, and have righteoutness credited to you, you have to be covered by the blood. But whose blood? Well, the only one who lived who was a perfect, spotless lamb was Yeshua. In english, His name is Jesus.

Jesus is the only one who is righteous to be able to have all of our sin put on him, and then take the punishment and wrath for us.

For more information, click on “Jesus/Yeshua” above.

#Mark

So, as some of you know, I’ve switched service providers to Verizon, and I’ve gone with the Samsung Saga for the phone. Here’s some more info on my new phone, which I’m really liking:

Samsung Saga i770 Specs & Features (Phone Scoop).

#Mark

So, yeah, its been a long while since I’ve updated this. I had the best intentions when I started, but of course that has fallen by the wayside.

That said, I’d like to give a brief review of 2009 thus far: Its been great!

I’ve learned much at work and in life, been more involved at my church, and deepened good friendships. Also, I turned 26 last week. I had an amazing “weekend” starting last Wednesday with a family dinner, Thursday with good friends, Friday with a February Birthday Bonanza, and Saturday with dinner at one of my favorites: Quartino.

I’ll update again soon, I hope.

#Mark

So, I was out of town last weekend, again, this time in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. It wasn’t too cold, and was a great time. I didn’t sleep much, but had a great time.

I’m just not a writer, so I don’t think I’ll write anymore for now. lol. but it was a good weekend.

So,  I spent the day on Saturday wandering around San Francisco with Nate and Jon; We took the bus down to the marina and explored. It was a blast.

Then we went to the shopping area (yay!) and spent some time looking around, first in the Apple store, and others. For lunch, we ate at this amazing Asian Fusion lace, of which I cannot remember the name right now… We had an awesome ribeye with a great sauce.

As its currently 5am, and I’m waiting for my flight home, I’m a bit tired. Well, actually, really really tired. In fact, I didn’t sleep last night. Oh well.

#M

So, I ate at In-n-Out Burger for the first time last night, on the way from the airport. I will say that I was looking forward to it, as I’ve never had it, but overall was disappointed. I’ll tell you why. The burger was the first thing I ate, and it was quite good. It was very fresh (not as fresh as on my friend John’s parent’s farm, but still), and tasted good. The (not-so-secret) sauce was a tangy thousand island dressing, which I enjoy.

Jon, who was with me, however, was saddend by the fact that thousand island contains mayo, which he dosen’t like. Ah well.

We got our food through the drive-through, and there was a guy taking the order! Not a speaker with a mic, but a person! Weird! One of the cool things, though, was that you could order the meal for “in the car.” That means the food came in a half-box, with the burgers half-wrapped, ready to eat.

Now we move onto the fries. On reccomendation, Jon and I both ordered our fries “animal style.” That means they are covered in grilled onions and cheese. Now, I admire in-n-out for making the fries fresh from actual potatoes, but they were just not good. In fact, they were what made the whole meal/experience disappointing.

The best quote of the night, from Jon: “The Dr. Pepper was better than the fries!”