LancesWorld.com Journal

So I just got a new iMac computer! When Apple released the new Intel-based Macs, I knew that I wanted one. Pictured here, you see my computer workstation in all of its glory. I used to have a dual monitor system on my PC, but since I expect to rely much more on my new iMac now, I am using on of the flat panels as a second monitor for the iMac. It's pretty sweet, particularly when I am doing video or photo editing. The second monitor allows me to see more of the project I am working with on the main screen, while all of my tools and controls and menus are tucked neatly onto the second monitor.

I am finding that I have a lot more free time these days. Now that the budget cycle is pretty much over at Berkeley, I'm leaving work by just about 5 p.m. each day, if not a few minutes earlier. This allows me ample time to do other things, like watch movies, write for my blogs, read, cook, go out, etc. It is nice to have a life, I must admit. One of the projects which will be moving into full swing now that I have the new iMac and my first-ever personally purchased copy of the Final Cut Studio, is My Two Ovens. My roommates and I shot a commercial for My Two Ovens the other day and I am in the process of putting it together for the website, which as of the posting of this entry still says, basically, "Under Construction." But soon, I tell you, soon there will be a site there and then we just need the content. Oh, content.

I just finished reading an absolutely amazing book called "Silence" by Shusaku Endo. It is a book about a Portugese priest who travels as a missionary to Japan during the 17th century. 17th century Japan was not an ideal place for Christianty, as the book makes clear. Christianity was outlawed in Japan at that time, and Christians were heavily persecuted. The story alone is worth the read, but the subject matter is also amazing. It deals with some serious theological issues that we each grapple with at some time or another. I'm sure that I'll reference this book at least a few times in upcoming posts in my new God's Promise blog. I highly recommend the book to you all.

I just signed up for Netflix again. I really enjoyed the Netflix service when I was living here in San Francisco last year. I know it really isn't a necessary service, but it is enjoyable and they have such a wide selection of movies to choose from. It might be a good way for me to stop buying so many DVDs! I can pay my $17.99 each month for unlimited rentals instead of paying $10 to buy a single used DVD that I might watch only once or twice (if I watch it at all!) before I forget about it. The trick is to watch at least 6 movies during the month to make it worth the price. I think I might be able to do that. My first three movies should be arriving tomorrow.

Speaking of movies, I just watched the movie Haiku Tunnel tonight. It was one of my many random movie purchases. It had some very funny moments, I have to admit, but overall, it wasn't what I would call a "great" movie. I could see myself watching it again somewhere down the road, but certainly not tomorrow or even next week.