Category Archives: Art

REVIEW – “Armida” by Gioachino Rossini

Posted on May 2, 2010 by admin

The fanciful story of the sorceress who enthralls men in her island prison of sensual delights. That is pretty much all I knew about the opera “Armida” by Gioachino Rossini. Sounds like fun! Echoes of The Tempest by William Shakespeare … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, History, Internationals, Opera | Comments Off

REVIEW – “How to Train Your Dragon”

Posted on April 1, 2010 by admin

Whenever my kids complain about how cold it is I remind them of their Viking ancestors. “How to Train Your Dragons” tells the story of a boy who lives in a Viking village where it snows 70% of the year … Continue reading →

Posted in Hebrew Bible, Movies and film, Theology | Comments Off

REVIEW – “Glee”

Posted on March 30, 2010 by admin

Finally something the entire Wright family enjoys. Yes I admit it. I am addicted to “Glee”. First heard on the radio about this weird quirky show about a show choir at a fictional high school in Ohio. Did not grab … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Dance, Music, Personal, Television | Comments Off

Low budget eye candy and debates over worship

Posted on March 17, 2010 by admin

What hath the dreadful Star Wars prequel “The Phantom Menace” to do with current debates over worship style? A few months ago my friend Joshua Villines directed my attention to a critical review of “The Phantom Menace” that is biting, … Continue reading →

Posted in Ministry, Movies and film, Worship and Liturgy | 2 Comments

Chaim Potok and sermons

Posted on February 17, 2010 by Rick

Was listening to NPR in car this morning (yeah yeah I know) and “Writer’s Almanac” with Garrison Keillor came on. It was more interesting than most days. Ah yes a poem about cleaning up after the dog. Guess who walks … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Judaism, Literature, Media, Personal, Sermons | Comments Off

Metropolitan Opera's performance of "Carmen" by Bizet (or) What *is* Carmen?

Posted on February 3, 2010 by Rick

Last time took eight to see “Turandot” by Puccini. Fairly full theater. People came up to us with tears in their eyes (I am not making that up) to express how much they appreciate young people coming to see the … Continue reading →

Posted in Opera, Sexuality, Society and Culture, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

REVIEW – "Moon" (2009)

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Rick

What does it mean to be human? More specifically what does it mean to be a person? How do we find meaning and purpose in an apparently absurd universe? It boggles my mind that critics could rave about how “Moon” … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies and film, Orthodoxy, Science Fiction | Comments Off

REVIEW – Inner reflections/contradictions in "Avatar"

Posted on January 6, 2010 by Rick

I almost did not go to see it. Most of the conservative blogs/websites I follow criticized harshly the movie “Avatar” directed by James Cameron. In a nutshell – that it is a silly and predictable leftist anti-American anti-capitalist rehash of … Continue reading →

Posted in Media, Movies and film, Orthodoxy, Politics, Propaganda, Science Fiction | 3 Comments

REVIEW – "The Princess and the Frog"

Posted on December 27, 2009 by Rick

Yes I saw it. Almost said “you can go without me”. Glad I went. A tradition in my family has always been to go see a movie on a holiday – like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s. So we went to … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies and film | Comments Off

"Avatar" and other movies that make you throw up(?)

Posted on November 27, 2009 by Rick

I have my reasons for not liking James Cameron. But the concept of and trailers for the new “Avatar” movie did get my interest. However came across an early anonymous review (caveat lector – how reliable is this?) which included … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies and film, Personal | Comments Off