Sentimental classic science fiction still echoes
E.T.
Released June 11, 1982
REVIEW. E.T. The Extraterrestrial was made forty years ago. At the time I had reservations.
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Tag: writing
Real deal alien fiction
Arrival
Released November 11, 2016
REVIEW. Later in Arrival, there’s a fuzzy sense of plot which keeps you wondering about what is going on to extra-terrestrial linguist Louise (Amy Adams).
Not quite the real deal
The Arrival
Released May 31, 1996
REVIEW. I wouldn’t have picked Charlie Sheen for The Arrival.
Are there any good alien films?
I wanted to keep the theme of broadcasting or spiritual broadcasting or spiritual or in other words just the generic … Continue reading Are there any good alien films?
Programming that contribute to spiritual and ethical development recommended
A good chance for “spiritual” broadcasting
2002. The Television New Zealand public broadcasting charter will gradually come into effect but TVNZ will not have an obligation to reflect programmes with a direct spiritual flavour as this will not be part of their objectives, unless there is a change to the charter before it becomes law.
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Legal ground to apply pressure to NZ on Air and Parliament
Christians in secular radio and television
Law change in religious broadcasting gets apprehensive response
2000. The law change in religious and spiritual broadcasting in New Zealand means that church groups as well as minority groups should, by legislation, expect their fair share of radio and television programming, but has been responded tentatively to by some Christians working in secular radio and television.
Continue reading “Legal ground to apply pressure to NZ on Air and Parliament”
Spiritual broadcasting the theme this week
Next year there’s going to be a new entity for the public broadcaster in New Zealand. It will combine radio … Continue reading Spiritual broadcasting the theme this week
On soul saving
Chain of Grace
Released 1992
FAITH AND MUSIC. Dallas Holm’s gospel album from 1992 is personal notes and reflections on saving souls. At the time, Dallas Holm had been in the gospel music industry for twenty-five years.
Hosanna World Outreach Centre was host of “inspirational” youth conference
Conference sparks up and inspires youth
2004. Being in the same room as [New Zealand sports stars] Michael Jones, Ma’a Nonu, or Linda Vagana might intimidate most New Zealand teenagers. 1Touch, a youth conference organized by Lower Hutt’s Hosanna World Outreach Centre, gave young people the opportunity to listen to their star’s testimonies on how they succeeded in life, which included a little autograph hunting.
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How has the world gone
Achtung Baby!
Released November 19, 1991
IN SOCIETY. We are all in this together.
Unique sounding piece – Michael Omartian’s “The Race”
The Race
Released 1991
CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE. I’m keen on The Race, and not just because I sprinted in school sports.
Continue reading “Unique sounding piece – Michael Omartian’s “The Race””
The prospect of artificial life forms
A.I.
Released June 21, 2001
IN SOCIETY. Artificial intelligence is coming to a world near you or your grandchildren’s.
Determination of survivors of a virus outbreak
28 Days Later
Released November 1, 2002
IN SOCIETY. 28 Days Later recurs on those well-used themes on the self-destruction of humanity and in spite of its dark tones survival is its main motif: the determination of the survivors of a virus outbreak when it would be easier to shrivel up and cease existing.
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‘Focus on the future’ for national church
Shifting priorities
2005. The Presbyterian Church is consulting with parishes and presbyteries to decide on the priorities for the church’s national tasks.
Focus on the Future is a series of meetings with parishioners being held in the North and South Island and encourages written submissions.
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This week in the future
Future this week involves artificial life (the movie A.I.), a virus outbreak (28 Days Later) and what the Presbyterian Church … Continue reading This week in the future
Something to be said
FAITH AND FILM. There may be something to be said about Bunuel’s so-called masterpiece from a certain point of view. … Continue reading Something to be said
Bunuel’s overrated “masterpiece”
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie
Released September 15, 1972
CRITIQUE. The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie is described as in the social grotesque genre. Watching it gave me good information about how socialists view capitalists.
Was it really that surreal?
NOTES. As they say, so I’ll say it, “I’ve been thinking” about (The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie in my case, among other things)
Discreet filmmaking?
NOTES. I have just seen The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, released in 1972. It is described as in the … Continue reading Discreet filmmaking?
Will there be peace in our time?
2010: The Year We Make Contact
Released December 7, 1984
IN SOCIETY. Problematic Russian/American relations caught the public attention during the 1980s.
Wanting to grow up fast – but there’s a thing called the present
13 Going on 30
Released April 23, 2004.
IN SOCIETY. Thrust into adulthood but with a 13 year-old mind. Do we want to grow up too fast?
Continue reading “Wanting to grow up fast – but there’s a thing called the present”
This week
Three pieces will be posted this week. That will be all for the week. The theme is the future. And … Continue reading This week
This writer knows his grammar
Just adding the word may have provided accuracy when one could have missed it out. But is it true?
New idea
The idea at the moment is to present themes each week from the material I have filed and from pieces … Continue reading New idea
Responding to the issue with heart and mind
To Be or Not to Be?
2000. Norman has always been a man of decision and authority; in fact some people have found him difficult and boorish.
He has recently, at the age of 56, suffered a heart attack and then, some four days after a severe stroke as a result of a blood clot detaching itself from the wall of the heart. The brain swelling after the stroke made his condition much worse and it was feared that he would die. He was ventilated and treated vigorously for his heart, lung and brain damage.
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How far will love stretch?
Amour
Released September 20, 2012
IN SOCIETY. Growing old in Paris is not an easy spectacle.
Facing mortality is the topical theme this week
New idea. This week I’ve decided to present a theme in three pieces, two articles and a review. The theme … Continue reading Facing mortality is the topical theme this week
Birdman of Alcatraz gets you in the shoes of an inmate
Birdman of Alcatraz
Released July 4, 1962.
CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE. That 1994 prison movie called The Shawshank Redemption seemed to take from the book of the film under review here, the 1962 prison drama Birdman of Alcatraz. The similarities between the films are striking. Both films have a sadistic head of prison, and the key inmate (played by Tim Robbins in the Shawshank film) has a redemption of a sort. This is where the similarities end. Birdman of Alcatraz is the true story of inmate Robert Stroud (played by the Hollywood actor Burt Lancaster) who discovers his individuality and self-respect while in prison when he becomes an authority on bird life.
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Beautiful churches with “great acoustics, cool pulpits and loads of leadlight”
Church used for acoustic concerts
2004. New Zealand recording artist Bic Runga is on her one-month Acoustic Church Tour playing at 10 churches on a 16 date tour.
Bic Runga is a 26-year-old singer songwriter, signed to Columbia Records in New Zealand, and with two albums to her credit, Drive and Beautiful Collision.
Continue reading “Beautiful churches with “great acoustics, cool pulpits and loads of leadlight””
Unique characters
Quite a character, in fact — as every movie cop should be. – Gordon Gow on the idiosyncratic features of … Continue reading Unique characters
Hall extension intends to make room for all
More kids trigger expansion
2006. Knox Presbyterian Church in Lower Hutt (New Zealand) is undertaking the extension and renovation of its Grimes Hall at a cost of nearly $750,000.
Continue reading “Hall extension intends to make room for all”
A genre filled with life
When is the abundant genre appropriate to write today? Perhaps not these days. But what about past days? Future days? … Continue reading A genre filled with life
Powerful poems
Reading poetry is what I’ve been doing more of recently as a writer of poetry must read it to see … Continue reading Powerful poems
Church relaunches with expansion
New $5.5 million building shows growth in Hutt
2007. A church’s $5.5 million building investment in an old relocated Mitre Ten shop is further evidence of growth in the Hutt Valley.
The Hope Centre, in Lower Hutt, previously the Hutt Christian Covenant Church, has re-launched because of rapid growth and attracted hundreds on its opening day.
Writing in anger
A reviewer assumed a screenwriter/director was driven by anger to make a work, but being driven by this emotion seems … Continue reading Writing in anger
One word says it
As I am progressing my sentence, and stuck for the right word, I try and use two words. Why use … Continue reading One word says it
Cancer victim shares his story
Cancer victim keeps the faith in face of death
2014. A junior doctor struggling with bowel cancer believes he had the God-given strength to finish his studies, qualify as a doctor and work whilst being treated.
He has also been overwhelmed and lost for words at the generosity of sympathizers.
“This vision to be a place of hope and inspiration and love for all has been growing in my heart for over 20 years.”
Church steps out in faith to build $7m worship centre
2006. The Presbyterian Church in the South Auckland village of Clevedon (a town in New Zealand; see picture below) has paid $1.2 million for 8ha of rural land on which it hopes to build a $7 million “worship centre”.
Bittersweet to hunger
Kind of nice, but bitter The taste of convenance Easy. Homemade. Over there, not. Nowhere to find. In the place … Continue reading Bittersweet to hunger
Archbishop visits every year on church matters
Antiochian archbishop visits 2007. The head of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand visited Canterbury and … Continue reading Archbishop visits every year on church matters
Strait through
A straight line I go alone Steps along the way The spring is infectious Buoying me every day Veering not … Continue reading Strait through
Singles seeking friendship take to get-together
Singles seeking support
Members of Christian Friendship Fellowship (NZ) are gathering at Queen Charlotte Sound this Easter from all over New Zealand for one of the fellowship’s major get-togethers of the year, the “Significant Singles” camp.
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Feeling today
I better write this While it is not compelling me, but Impelling me to. While not knowing why, I have … Continue reading Feeling today
Not widely known
I have no idea of the matter but I trust the reference book is correct. This is on the matter … Continue reading Not widely known
Hope for leavers
Old way is creaking and groaning
Mark Pierson, of Cityside Baptist Church in Auckland, sees huge numbers of people leaving Western churches as a great opportunity.
Alive
The rain is about to fall. So, they told us. But it didn’t come. They all breathed a sigh of … Continue reading Alive
Taking the easter story to schools — by kids
Kids relive Easter
New Plymouth primary schools have experienced the Easter story close up at a local Baptist church over four days of outreach to mostly year three to year six schoolchildren.
Continue reading “Taking the easter story to schools — by kids”
That day passed into
The day long A miracle at the end She saw everything all white And not a drop of negativity passed … Continue reading That day passed into
We
Weatherboards, straight across— A roof, four walls. I see. Over there, I see you. Close and near. Not in that … Continue reading We
“After a while there was a need to have clear leadership”
Baptist churches face shortage of pastors
Larger Baptist churches are having difficulty filling senior pastor roles meaning nearly half the pastor vacancies in Baptist churches are either for congregations of 300 or more or in multi-staffed churches.
Continue reading ““After a while there was a need to have clear leadership””
Writing the picture book manuscript
March 28 is Children’s Picture Book Day. This brings back memories and inspiration. I must bring out that picture book manuscript I wrote all those years ago…
As it was on the schedule…
It’s been thirteen years since I first started devising and writing a tale and this week I revisited the story … Continue reading As it was on the schedule…
Looking up
I looked up. peace overcame the dreary sky. the clouds left behind, a ray of light broke through Shining bright … Continue reading Looking up
Ways
The plan is this. That it goes to plan. What is the plan? No pain in the game that’s lived … Continue reading Ways
Left his mark
Champion of moral certainties
New Zealand Anglican and Presbyterian Church leaders have extended their sympathies to Catholic Church.
Help me see
You think you know it all. I got to help you, son. The other guy is coming with a message … Continue reading Help me see
Film not a history lesson: filmmakers
Filmmakers don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story
ARTICLE. If you want to see a film with accurate history, see a documentary.
That is probably the advice most filmmakers would give.
Annual appeal and rebranding church website
“Together we can help Kiwis in need”
The Salvation Army’s theme this year is “together we can help Kiwis in need” elaborated in a breakfast presentation with a series of short messages about the work of The Army and their annual appeal. One hundred and twenty years serving New Zealanders was celebrated at Booth House in Wellington, April 16, which also looked forward to Salvation Army Week, to kick off on April 28 until May 4.
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The giver
God loves us more than we can love God God gives more to us than we could give to God … Continue reading The giver
New look
Church face-lift goes with new market image
Move over the religious services column in Saturday night’s newspaper. Advertise in a movie theatre, or the local rag. That’s what a Brethren church did in an attempt to re-invent itself in the eyes of the community.
“A decision was made to go contemporary”
Brethren church goes modern
It was do or die for a small Brethren church in Petone that was vulnerable to losing members, especially youth.
After approximately four years of soul searching and seeking God on their situation, a decision was made to go contemporary and be a place where people find reality in community.
A house for pregnant teens
Home to grace pregnant teenagers
When Treena and Marcus van Rijssel purchased a house in Wellington last year for the purpose of housing and supporting pregnant teenagers, two pregnant girls approached them to use the facilities which were not furnished or decorated. One of those girls has gone on to appear on Kids – a TV 2 documentary about teenage mums.
Labour’s love
God did his work And I am proud of the work he made. It was awesome that he rested after … Continue reading Labour’s love
Body, soul and spirit for women
Encouraging women
Aglow New Zealand encourages women to become whole in body, soul and spirit in an age where it can be fashionable to focus on form rather than content.
Aged care overlooked – lobby group
Call to boost aged care
New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services is challenging the Government to sufficiently fund rest homes and hospitals of elderly people, and says a 3 percent funding increase is too little too late.
Creating good families
Impacting Christians and non-Christians
“We exist so that God, working in and through us, will use us, to help people know, apply, experience, embrace and proclaim God’s truth on marriage and family. The result is godly families reaching others with God’s truth”, explains Andy Bray, Director of FamilyLife (in New Zealand), a ministry that encourages a variety of couples at different stages in life in their marriages and roles as mothers and fathers.
Retired widower remarried
Doubly successful in marriage
A retired New Zealand vicar who’s been blessed with two long, happy marriages knows the secret of success.
Cecil Marshall, now 86, was married to Barbara for 40 years. After her death 18 years ago he was devastated, but remarried and has enjoyed another 17 years of marriage to Margaret.
‘Presence’ at the games, circa 2000
“Special Presence” at Sydney Games
The YWAM New Zealand outreach team experienced a “fruitful” three weeks at the Sydney Olympic games this year says Jay Granat, team leader.
Outreach on
Calling Kiwis to the Olympics!
Blood, sweat and tears is going to flow from thousands of people worldwide at the Olympics this year. And it will not be just the athletes. The YWAM 2000 Games outreach in Sydney, where the Olympic games are being held in September, will be well underway with an estimated 3000 people. Lots of travelling, little sleep and battling crowds is the order of the day, but promises to be one of the most memorable and exciting times in someone’s life. The NZ organizers are looking for 250 New Zealanders to take part.
Ecumenical appeal
Appeal for cyclone-struck Niue
Christian World Service (CWS) is raising money to contribute to the rebuilding of cyclone-damaged Niue.
Cyclone Heta devastated Alofi and the only hospital on the island on January 6.
Everyone “should have access to the arts”
Caring Christian community
Twenty years ago a person who had a psychotic experience may have been admitted into a hospital ward for years.
That same person or a person with the same set of symptoms may never enter a hospital today because there is better care in the community and more support for the family. The illness can be treated without necessarily having to be admitted into hospital.
Continue reading “Everyone “should have access to the arts””
Keeping up Appearances
Deft defying acts, skills she said. Looking good. Cool. Beautiful. Got to, when getting the coffee. In front of you. Continue reading Keeping up Appearances
Supporting chaplains in state schools
Hand of friendship to state schools
The missionary on your doorstep is something vital for the Church to recognize, says Helen McGhie, National Chaplaincy Coordinator of the Churches Education Commission (CEC).
“Academically rigorous” religious and values education
Advancing religious education in state schools
Religious education seems to have no place in a secular society, but there are those who want to change this.
Continue reading ““Academically rigorous” religious and values education”
Integrity
Whetting my appetite on a diet of malnutrition things I am supposed to not eat but eating them anyhow no … Continue reading Integrity
Encouraging prayer across nations
And some came from across the ditch
An intercessor encouraged New Zealanders to get involved supporting Australian Christians in praying for their country at the National Solemn Assembly in Canberra.
Church leaders working together
Partners in Ministry – From relational unity to functional unity
A “rookie” pastor found that churches were not seemingly co-operating as strongly as ideal and he desired a greater unity. It was not enough to motivate Stefan Schlogl, Pastor of Victory Christian Centre, to action but when God spoke to him about initiating fellowship between ministers in the Hutt Valley he immediately sent letters to some of them sharing his vision.
Stuck on time
I got my coffee and wish time would stop because it is National Gormet Coffee Day. I would go home to have dinner, but since it’s Rid the World of Fad Diets & Gimmicks Day I don’t go home. My wife is trying to replace her fad diet with a real one and I want Gormet burgers with my coffee. Just imagine it if I went home. For a start, I can’t even cook my own meal…
Caring, loving, supportive environment
City Mission
“People at the bottom of the heap” are the focus of Christian based Wellington City Mission.
Until we meet again
May our farewells speak blessings until we meet again Continue reading Until we meet again
Stuck
A palatable easy rock sound coupled with some interesting philosophical lyricism leading more to unbelief than belief, in the face … Continue reading Stuck
Circa 2001: Renewable energy generation in New Zealand – State of the nation
New Zealanders will be consulted this year on climate change and related issues, initiated by the Government.
According to the Cabinet paper, early decisions and directions, more public education about energy efficiency choices and actions available in the residential, commercial and other sectors, is to be considered.
Continue reading “Circa 2001: Renewable energy generation in New Zealand – State of the nation”
If one is in doubt before submitting
First impressions of work can be favorable, but later, an objective eye may see the flaws and blemishes. It should … Continue reading If one is in doubt before submitting
Weight, fitness and body image
Why fat is “big business”
Janeen Norwicki laughs. “The fat thing is in now,” says Janeen Nowicki. “It makes me laugh. They’re so late getting on the Ferris wheel really.”
Janeen runs Big, Bold and Beautiful aerobics. When she started the business nine years ago, she says fat was not in and she engaged the services of a marketing consultant friend who believed in her. Now, she has eleven contracts a week.
Forgiveness is a good choice
Forgiveness is a good choice
You could be twenty steps away from forgiving someone who has hurt you. Yes, forgiveness is a process.
Twenty steps may seem onerous. It’s a lot of work for busy, occupied people, who are under other stresses without bothering with the ones they would rather forget.
According to church consultant Dr. John Savage many people have never learned a strategy to forgive. There is advice out there however.
Television program induces fears
Autopsy is a television series from Britain’s ITV studios that analyses the events around the untimely deaths of famous people. Dr. Jason Payne-James looks at the cause of death that is on the celebrity’s death certificate but looking closely at the evidence he concurs with the certificate or comes to another conclusion.
The subjects of the series are people well-known in film, music, and sports. The days leading up to the deaths of actors Robin Williams and Heath Ledger, and others, are analyzed.
In the episode I am looking at today, the life and death of the Irish-born, Manchester United footballer George Best is scrutinized.
Christmas brings resurgence of faith
Christmas brings resurgence of faith
FAITH AND MEDIA. The ghost of Christmas past and present called on me this Christmas. Two worlds representing the spirit of a Christmas 55 years ago and the other of a Christmas transformed by the changes of time, were neatly captured in some Christmas television programming.
Wellington’s community television station, Wellington Television, played that often-repeated Christmas interlude between dinner and supper, It’s A Wonderful Life.
Abandoning one project isn’t abandoning the ship
There is a difference between abandoning something and abandoning ship. Abandoning ship means whatever you were occupying is abandoned for … Continue reading Abandoning one project isn’t abandoning the ship
Blind Mission casts a vision
To give sight to the blind
Vision 2020 is Christian Blind Mission International’s (CBMI) latest development.
Continue reading “Blind Mission casts a vision”
New story
The barrister winked at him. “Nothing like a change to get customers back, eh?” Secretly, she slipped something addictive into … Continue reading New story
Old habits die hard
He couldn’t kick the habit. He kept on taking the same path to the same coffee shop every day. Three times a day.
Illusion
It is this way, so the illusionist said to the one he called the magician. The illusionist saw it no … Continue reading Illusion
Taking off
The barrister promised the customer something special in the coffee today. “You’ll take off,” she said.
There’s a fly in my soup
The weather may have been the same, but not his coffee. The barrister slipped something extra special into his coffee today…
When public profile does not matter
He just wanted to write. He did not want to show off. But Mrs. Humstead wanted to show every one … Continue reading When public profile does not matter
SheerWords on The WriteMix 