2008 Ralphies
It’s that time of the year again. The end of the year always leads to analysis of the past year. The end of 2008 isn’t any different. While in seminary, I stumbled upon a blog called Ralph the Sacred River. I’m not sure how I found the blog, but I think it was a search inspired by an archaeological issue discussed in one of Dr. Rollston’s classes. The author, Dr. Cook, posts a year-end retrospective that he calls The Ralphies. I was inspired to do the same. I think I took a haitus from last year’s list for some reason. But it’s time that I renew my participation in this coveted award. So, here’s my Ralphies for 2008…
Best Movie
I haven’t had the opportunity to go to very many movies this year. Still waiting to see The Dark Knight (I know, I’m behind the times). Of the movies I’ve seen this year, I’d have to say that while Prince Caspian was a little underwhelming, it’s still the best movie I saw in the theaters this year. That might not be saying much when Alvin & the Chipmunks and The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything are the film’s biggest competition).
Best Record
The Tobasco Donkeys, The Yarn Sessions. I literally cried the first time I heard New Mexico Rain. Suddenly, I was back at Philmont, sitting around the kitchen table after one of our campfires at Beaubien. This album was full of memories for me and it is definitely my favorite from 2008.
Best Song
Sara Groves, Toy Packaging
Best Book (Fiction)
Fiction? What’s that? I can’t think of a work of fiction that I’ve read this year. Unless you count one of the many children’s books I’ve read with the kids, I don’t think I’ve read a work of fiction this year. I think the last fictional work I read was Red Storm Rising – over two years ago! I’ve got to fix that in 2009. Maybe that should be a New Year’s resolution or something like that. Any recommendations?
Best Book (Nonfiction)
Team of Rivals. I’ve been reading it since July, so it had better earn an award. I’m usually reading two or three books at the same time, so that’s probably one of the reasons it’s taken a while. The beginning is a little slow and difficult to get through when you’re trying to keep track of who’s who and such. But it’s been such a great book to read. I came to the part about Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation the day after Obama was elected President. I thought that was a pretty amazing intersection of events in my life and it certainly helped me remember the whole perspective of both events.
A close second would be The Man Who Flew the Memphis Belle. Very good book. Actually, this was the first book I’d ever listened to on CD. And it was narrated by the author, so that made it feel a little more ‘real.’ Maybe this should count as best record?
Best TV Show
Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern. I was going to say Anthony Bordain: No Reservations, but he has come across as arrogant and snobbish in some of the recent episodes and it has been rather off-putting. Heroes has been more difficult for me to get into this year. Battlestar Galactica was a little too predictable for me a the end. I mean, come on – was anyone really surprised when they discovered that Earth was not what they’d hoped it was? Saw that coming the very first season. Hoping for a big year from Heroes and 24.
That’s all for now. More in the Best of… series should follow shortly. If I don’t post again today, I hope all who read this have a safe and happy New Year’s celebration tonight!
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Fiction recommendation: “Eifelheim” by Michael Flynn. One of the best books I’ve read in awhile. It is extremely thought provoking; it brings up a lot of theological issues. It also has a lot to say about Christian character and community- but I don’t think it is “Christian fiction!” And it is just a fascinating story, though some sections drag.