A holy lunch @ The Harbour Club with Rev Burwell

Wow we felt very special to be taken out to lunch at such a swish members only place with Rev John Burwell who is just such an incredible man. He has been serving as Rector of Holy Cross since 1987 and has seen it change dramatically from 75 members to over 1700, from one old building to a whole complex and he had some awesome stories that were hilarious and God honouring.

John simply wanted to get to know us better and had no other agenda and it was a so cool to have the time to ask questions and get to know him more also. It has taken weeks for us to finally meet as things have come up on the last three efforts, but it was worth the wait.

The Harbour Club is downtown and very near the swinging benches Janey. Its a members only venue so we all felt a little like Julia Roberts in pretty Woman - did i just saw that! lol Anyway we certainly made the most of the visit; i had two plates of main, a pudding and a cup of English Breakfast tea! They had a wonderful buffet with chicken, catfish, salmon, salad, soup, vegatables, gnochi and raviaoli - i had the lot except soup. Then i had pralines and cream ice cream oh yeah, sworny you would have loved the desserts!

After 2 and half hours it was time to go, unfotunately - i did try to make it a weekly occurance but i think John just smiled politely. . . maybe I'll ask again on Tuesday! :)

Not my awesome car . . . the 'Hero' Expedition!

How a poor old lady on a rainy Friday afternoon changed my car, maybe for good!

I didn't do it, i would just like to point out! I was out with Haley, Anne-Randolph and Rev John Burwell while my car was parked outside Holy Cross a very old lady either passed out or had a stroke behind the wheel and crashed into my huge expedition - this was the result!

Thankfully everyone involved was ok, i got the call from Sis in the office and turned up to find my car on top of Elizabeths bumper and the pavement. The car looks like a right off but i will find that out soon enough. The old lady had driven stright into my car then amazingly had gone on past and slid to a halt next to Christa's about 20 or so feet down the road.

When i arrived the old lady was in an ambulance, the road was blocked off, fireman were looking over the vehicles and police were making reports. I had just enough time to empty it of my stuff before a lorry took it away - what a crazy afternoon.

The most incredible part was that when i arrived in the morning i deliberately parked outside the Garden School as it was nearer than across the street what with it raining. Well at the point of impact a few parents were leaving the school with their children and if my car wasn't parked where it was they would have been hit! So my car is a hero - what could of been a horrific tragedy ended in just a few busted cars, Praise God!

So i back to driving Jonathan and Melissa's Pontiac car - such a shame i've only been driving my beast for a month! lol

Holy Terrrors win again, thats 6 in a row!

Well we are definitely on a roll, we haven't lost a game since our first of the season and the last two weeks we haven't conceded a goal. I haven't scored in the last two victories which is annoying as i have had chances however i still have scored 8 in 7 matches so its not all bad! :)

We play 35 min halves and have roll on and off subs which is good as we have a big team but it means you don't play as much as you might want. As its a Co-Ed league there must be 5 girls on the pitch all the time, which is cool as we have some very talented female players.

Tonight we won 3-0 and next week we play the team that beat us at the start of the season then we have one more game before the Playoffs start which we are definitely in. The season ends in just over a month until March when another season will start, crazy i know but its fun too. We have a really good team spirit and everyone is really nice. Whats cool is that most of the team are Christians from many local churches and we pray before the games and we are the only team that do that.

Music Review: UNKLE - Self Defence

This is the latest release by James Lavelle and comes with 4 discs totalling 5 hours of awesome music and includes a new track 'Burn my shadow' - its not a new album but there are some fantastic remixes and some fresh new beats here to enjoy.

The following tracks get a revamp; Reign, In a State, Eye for an Eye, Inside, Invasion and Panic Attack by Sasha, RJD2, Dan F, Way Out west and Ape Sounds to name but a few.

If you have enjoyed any of the recent UNKLEsounds mix cd's then you will enjoy this - if you have the special edition of Never Never Land with the extra disc then you will have some of the best new tracks already like me but its still worth it when it only cost 12 quid! (3.5/5)

Music Review: Kid Koala - Your Mums Favourite Dj

I love Kid Koala (aka Eric San from Canada) he is so playful and talented that even though his music is very unusual it just puts a smile on your face as it catchs you off guard with a funny quote or touching emotion all weaved into his obscure hiphop tapestry.

Previous albums Carpal tunnel syndrome and Some of my best friends are Dj's have been amazingly clever but haven't always been as easy to listen to and enjoy as his first produced mix tape that you can only get on cassette (i have one its heavy!). 'Scratchcratchratchatch' which is 10 years old now (or his first EP 'Scratchy Happy Land') as it was called included samples and beats from Yoda - Bjork, Empire of the Sun - Charlie Brown and Monty Python - The Untouchables it was seemless and so funny.

Your Mums Favourite Dj gets back to those roots with an endless supply of cool beats, guitar riffs and samples inc Ricky Gervais talking about being a radio dj for the first time, brilliant. This will make you smile and bob along to music you might never have listened to and thats whats so ace about Kid Koala - there's no one like him.

Although short at just over 30 mins and missing the usual 50 page comic book, this is better than the past two albums as it flows together in such a cool way. (4/5)

Check out his music at the following:
http://www.myspace.com/kidkoalaonesandtwos

Some press quotes:

"A cartoony, day-glo mix of ragtime rock n' roll, blues and movie samples. Your Mom's is as funny as it is funky. File between Hendrix and The Simpsons" The Times

“One of the few vinyl manipulators to wield the wheels of steel with genuine artistic grace and ambition.” Independent

“An album that that not only entertains but does so on several different levels… Lose Yourself In Kid Koala's krackpot world… Dazzling.” Mojo

“Kid Koala truly is one of the most talented in the game.” Hip Hop Connection

“This will get your head nodding and your face grinning like a fool.” 360 Gamer

Music Review: One Self - Children of Possibility

Ok so i haven't listened to this as much as my new Kid Koala or Unkle cds, always a problem when you buy more than one cd at a time - but Jeff at Cats Music sold all three to me for $46 thats only 23 quid for 6 discs of over 6 hours of music! He gave me a $11 discount just cos we have been chatting over the last few weeks and i have told him all about DJ Yoda and Unkle stuff - he's gonna bust me some Dj Shadow merchandise too, he's a gent!

Anyway even though i haven't listened to it more than 5/6 times One Self's debut abum does stand out due to having both a male and female MC's layered over Vadim's beats - it just works. It definitely has the Ninja Tune sound that is underground and slightly obscure but its unusual stance doesn't take away from the fact that One Self have got what it takes. It might sound raw at first but on each new listen you get more of the cultural influences that each member and their experiences and home surroundings bring, its hip hop with a message.

"The group – DJ Vadim and MCs Blu Rum13, a New York native who's spent time in Canada, and Yarah Bravo, whose mother came from Chile, father from Brazil, and was born and raised in Sweden – came together on the road, as Vadim, the celebrated London-raised, St Petersburg-born production visionary, was touring under the experimental banner of The Russian Percussion."

Think a stripped down Herbaliser, with more South American and African vibes. (3/5)

Check out their tunes at:
http://www.myspace.com/0neself

Film Review: Flags of Our Fathers

JB and I have been waiting for this to come out knowing it was gonna be epic and visually stunning due to a certain Clint Eastwood directing abilities (Unforgiven, Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby). JB is a big war movie fan and i must admit i like a good war movie every now and then but i wanted to go with JB cos he was so into it.

To sum up the film would be easy it takes place in WWII at The Battle of Iwo Jima where six men raise the American flag after conquering the Japanese and what happens when it is photographed,they become instant 'heroes'. But the reality is far more complicated and sad. The film darts back and forth from Iwo Jima and the USA where the men are living the life of heroes but knowing that there buddies are fighting and dying on the battlefield hundreds of miles away.

How they deal with that reality is fascinating, the film is based on the book written by one of the mens sons recently and is factual. If you are expecting another Saving Private Ryan then you will be dissapointed but at the same time missing one of the most poignant and compelling movies of the year. The scenes as the troops attack the island are just wow and just as you find yourself being drawn in you get dragged back to the States into politics, denial, selfishness, bitter regret, shame and fame. In short you feel the same strain as the men who have been seperated from their squad and know that they are in unfamiliar territory, being used and secretly prefer to be fighting a different battle.

There is a stella cast and many young actors who will grow into class ones in the near future, Eastwood tells the story faithfully and in a visually masterful way this will be up for many oscars this year (3.5/5)

Watch the trailer at:
http://www.flagsofourfathers.com/

Hot Fuzz - the follow up to Shaun of the Dead - Feb 07

Oh my goodness this is gonna be the funniest film of 2007 if Shaun of the Dead was anything to go by. Hot Fuzz again teams up the Shaun and Spaced tv show guys inc Simon Pegg with Edgar Wright for a police action blockbuster set in a Somerset village! :)

Check out:
http://www.empireonline.com/futurefilms/film.asp?id=10243
for clips and trailers

"is it true that there is a place in a mans head that if you shoot it, it will explode!?" lol

Shawn McDonald: Live at Seacoast Church

Oh man this was such an awesome surprise as i never thought i would see him play live, i have a couple of his cds back home and i love his style of worship and praise. Haley and i went along knowing this was gonna be special, it was held at the local 'mega' church Seacoast that has over 2000 members that come on Sunday, or something crazy like that. Anyway we got in without tickets even though it was free via some kind lady and we found seats near to the front. I thought it was gonna be huge but it was an intimate couple of hundred people kinda thing. The sound in the theatre room was brilliant and the whole thing was just lush.

A girl called Amy Rogers played first, alone just her and her guitar wow did she have a stunning voice, it was breathtaking. Then Shawn and his talented band came up and played and chatted it almost at times like you were hanging out with some friends it was that relaxed and nice you know. One of his band played 5 maybe 6 instruments throughout the set including piano, guitar, bass, cello and harmonica amzing. Shawn's voice was so piercing too and some of his songs are more than beautiful i loved it.

If you get a chance go see him or download either his live album or Simply Nothing or Ripen as they are brilliant and his style is different to any other worship musician.

Check out:http://www.myspace.com/shawnmcdonald for his music

Film Review: Facing the Giants

Never give up. Never back down. Never lose faith . . . with God all things are possible.

Its been a long time since a film has brought me to tears and i have never seen a film that has honoured God more ever! The film is for anyone, you could take your children to see it, it trully is a family movienot just about american football but all of life in all its fullness and failings.

Set in Georgia the film folloows the up sand downs of a the local high School Football coach, his work, the kids, his marriage, his faith, his friends and even his appliances. You can't help but be drawn into the reality of the main couples life. You can see glimpses of your self in bits and thankful for the lessons you haven't have to learn in your own life.

You see everything is going wrong for Coach Grant Taylor, his team is worse than ever due to his best players transferring themselves to better schools, parents want him out, his car keeps breaking down, his house smells funky, the cooker is busted and to top it off it looks like he and his wife can't have kids. Now they are good people but what Grant realises is that they are not trusting in God and honouring him in all their life . . . so they start and the outcome is truely astonishing.

Think Remember the Titans but based on faith, some scenes are just so God honouring its fantastic to see and its awesome sports movie too - filmed by the same people who did Friday Night Lights. The soundtrack was incredible and it was so inspiring i left feeling so encouraged and all our kids we took to see it loved it. I absolutely blubbed my eyes out as it has so many amazing moments that are real, not hyped and lessons for life.

The film was funded by Georgia Baptist Church and at the end off the credits it said "To God be the Glory! " How awesome is that.

Go see this movie when it comes out (4.5/5) An awesome sports movie; uplifting, powerful with an eternal message.

check the trailer out at:
http://www.facingthegiants.com/

Mens Hike training: walking the bridge at sunrise

Yes a Mens Hike! Whats that i hear you gasp?

Well at Holy Cross there are tons of things going on and twice a year they run a mens hike for the purpose of going away for a few days to unplug from the Matrix of our busy lives to let God in and enjoy each others company. As it happens men don't have many places they can gather together that is positive and most men feel alone in their world even if they are married. Well a few days away where you can have that is awesome. 2 of the Rectors Chris and Trip (who disciples me) come and whilst walking, eating together and around the camp fire we will be able to talk candidly about the things that matter and we can minister to each other.

We have to have read The Great Divorce by CS Lewis before we go which has nothing to do with divorce but is all about heaven and hell, very interesting, check it out if you haven't read it. Trip has also encouraged me to read Wild at Heart before we go which is all about discovering mens heart and soul - a book Jess back home in Cell has been telling me to read for ages ha ha isn't God funny!

I have heard lots of exciting stories from past trips and i am looking forward to my first 4 day hike into the North Carolina wooded wilderness next Thursday. We will trek about 30 miles of different terrain until Sunday when we will return hopefully having met with God and eternally changed.

This Saturday we just had a practice walk across the New Bridge that connects Mount Pleasant to downtown Charleston at sunrise (see my pics under link). Its approxiamtely 2.5 miles each way and it is 8 lanes wide! It was a beautiful clear morning and although only a few came we had a blast and it was good to get my new hiking boots used to my feet ($45 for a pair of Nike ACG boots thats 23 quid basically!) At the last meeting there were 60 men signed up but that will drop as things change, i will tell you more on my return.

SPURS on the rise!?

At last, we are starting to kick start the season, another impressive game in the UEFA Cup this time a 0-2 win in Turkey vs Besiktas where the home fans stood and applauded us off the pitch at the end, thats praise indeed.
A draw vs the unbeatable Aston Villa (that doesn't sound right) but before you get all excited keefy remember you've been up there before, still O'Neill is doing a marvelous job. A win vs the very beatable and edible West Ham if Defoe has anything to say, tops off a good week - lets keep it up lads.

With Mido and Lennon back and Malbranque, Tainio and Zokora on the way too its looking good, we need to start imposing ourselves soon as we are a good team even without Carrick, esp the defence that looks strong, just need our strikers to score some more, esp Defoe and Keane.

only time will tell eh?

DVD Review: Thank You for Smoking

Saw this with JB after Storm last week and its very very funny, basically it follows Nick Naylor who is the spokesman/a spin doctor for a huge cigarette company. Its very revealing and fascinating - JB made a good point afterwards, "do you remember all that fuss about radiation from mobile/cell phones? funny how that has all died down now isn't it!"

The film has depth due in main to the challenges Nick has in bringing up his teenage son (on the weekend when he has custody) when he bends the truth for a living, it makes compelling viewing and at times yeah its a bit outlandish but some scenes are hilarious and some very insightful. This film is worth a watch just for the first 15 mins when Nick Naylor describes himself (played superbly by aaron Eckhart of Any Given Sunday, Erin Brockovich, The Core, The Pledge and most recently The Black Dhalia) and is then on a panel of daytime tv show where he sits next to a child with lung cancer . . . the unfolding moments are priceless.

The cast as you can see from the cover is top notch and even the little cameo's are just brilliant.
I give this a (4/5) for originality and Eckharts awesome flawless performance.

Check out the trailer:
www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/thankyouforsmoking/

The weather this week . . .

Yep more sun :) The low will be 26 (78) degrees and a high of 30 (84) degrees Mon-Fri, its awful i can't take it anymore! lol **Is it really October?!!!**

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=0411

Hope you are having a great week wherever you are.

Big Love JK

A week in the life of a Youth Apprentice . . .

Well this is hard to put down as every week does change even slightly but this is what we (Anne-Randolph, Haley and I) do roughly . . .

Sunday is a busy day, we all go to the 9am Contemporary service at Sullivans Island (Holy Cross is an Episcopal/we know as Anglican Church) which lasts an hour and is always amazing due to superb worship band and teaching from one of the 4 Rectors or Associate Rectors. Anne and I then lead 'Breakfast Club' (sunday School basically) for 11-14's (Middle School) with a lady called Robyn and Trey the contemporary worship leader. 'Breakfast Club' consists of announcements of the coming weeks program, a game usually, a short talk and prayer this also lasts an hour - we each take turns at each.
So weirdly for me we are all done by 11am and just tidy up and get some lunch, we are back at the youth room at 5pm though to set up, prep and pray for 'Connection' which is for High School students (15-18 year olds) and lasts from 6-8pm every Sunday. All five of us (JB, Will, Haley, Anne and I do this with help from some parents) This semester we are going through the whole Bible (briefly obviously) where we have announcements, a fun Bible based skit/mixer game, Bible teaching on the subject i.e this week was 'The Gospels'. Then we break off into small groups to discuss and pray into all of it.

Monday is my day off, so i usually lay in unless i have tons of jobs i want to do, i sometimes head to beach, go shopping, email/call you or update my blog, catch a movie and then in the evening i play football (UK style) for a mixed Co-Ed team called the Holy Terrors named after many of the team who are Christians from different Churches. Afterwards we usually go for a beer and some chicken wings occasionally - i like Mondays.

Tuesday is possible the busiest day office wise, from 10-12 all the staff (approx 20) meet together have a Bible teaching from Rev John Burwell, chat about the week that has gone and upcoming events and then we pray - this is an amazing time that is so simple but so God honouring at the same time. It brings us together and builds a team feel even though our ministries might not cross. After this we as a Youth team meet from 12-2pm to chat; laugh, plan and pray into things specifically, including each other. I then used to print, stamp and stick address labels on our weekly newsletter and take 'em to the Post office but now we just email the kids/parents better for the planet! So i use the time to prepare for my weekly 'Life Group' a Bible study that i lead for Grade 6 and 7 (11-12 year old) boys, we are currently studying Daniel and its just got into the strange dreams and visions bit but its all Gods word so i'm gonna keep going :) This lasts 4.30-5.30pm and presently i have 3 keen lads who come, God Bless them. I then clean up and head home. In the evening i am usually free so have been to see a few gigs, or been invited round a family for dinner, done homework or simply chilled out. If a day was to be cut into 1/3's we are roughly meant to 'work' 2/3's a day and then have one day off a week.

Wednesday is an early start as i play Basketball with some local Youth Pastors for an hour from 8am then we pray for each other which again is just so good to do. Home for a shower then onto homework and reading before either heading to the office for a B/Club planning meeting (bi weekly) or to plan for either Storm or Connection with someone. At 6pm i head to the Daniel Island Holy Cross Church building (just round the corner from where i live) for 'Veritas' (which means Truth). Veritas is a mid week family meeting from 6-7.30pm where there is space to worship God more freely and again some top teaching from the Bible by one of the Rectors - afterwards pizza is provided so a free meal awesome! I usually head home straight after to finish up my homework or to read.

Thursday is Apprenticeship training day, 10-12 is different each month, September was about Vision, October is Biblical Theology, we have lunch from12-1pm. At 1pm we have an hour of Bible teaching from Rev Bob Ott and finally Jonathan or a lady called Holly teach us on practical Youth ministry from 2-3.30pm this is has been a real highlight for us all so far. Its funny i used to hate learning at School and even found it hard on DNA but i am so eager and hungry to learn here.
After all that my head is usually full, but we call all the students to let them know about the weekends events and meetings. I call all the Middle School boys about 20, poor Anne has about double. This takes a while especially if they are in and you get chatting which happens more now they understand my accent and i know them and their parents. I just go home and relax Thursday nights.

Friday is a fun day, after some work at home/office we set up the youth room for 'Storm' our Middle School meeting thats from 5.30-7pm. Its similar to Connection but we have pizza and it tends to be way more chaotic and busier due to more kids and they are crazy! lol Anne, JB and I run and teach at Storm with help from a couple and some High Schooler Seniors. Afterwards we might go to watch a Hiogh School Football match - which is an experience as they have over 1000 people who go! Or i might hang out with JB or the guys.

Saturday is pretty chilled, we took a few students to see Facing the Giants this week (see review above) and every week from 4-5.30/6 i run 'Saturday Soccer' which is a fun kick around at Isle of Palms Rec (see pics under Jonny's pics) for all students, their parents and any local kids who turn up. Its a blast i love it - cos girls come too so its just a fun way to spend my sarvo.
In the evening i might go out or hang out with friends whatever is happening really.

Well thats a rough week for me, i love it - it is definitely getting busier as i have to plan for maybe 2 or 3 of the weekly meetings, read the core texts and extra books, do homework etc but its all so good cos i have to lean on God or its all for nothing.

MONDO Weekend - Middle School event!

What a crazy weekend but such a good one too. Basically the Diocese of SC put on a Middle School weekend and 300 kids go, we took 25 of our youth and drove the 1 hour and 45 mins north to Summerton to Camp Bob Cooper. Imagine acres of forest, playing fields, dorms and a huge canteen set on a beautiful lake to meet with God and praise Him cos he is awesome, what a way to spend a weekend.

The downside was that JB and I had to share a dorm with nine 11-13 year boys, oh yeah it was worse than that! lol To be fair they all showered but it was more the trying to sleep part that was tough as i lay beneath a champion sleep WWE Wrestler which wouldn't be a problem but the mattresses had a plastic cover on them and the beds needed some WD40 big time!

The first night was spent in a meeting worshipping and listening to a talk which was followed by small groups from our church where we prayed for the weekend. Then all chaos ensued as a massive Capture the Flag Wide Game took place on the football field with kids camoed up and wearing flourescent bands with their teams colour on. See my pics to see me all camoed up with shoe polish on my face!

Saturday we had breakfast and another meeting continuing on the theme of the Armor of God (Ephesians 6) we then had some free time before some group/team building activities which were fun especially the ones in the forest. Then it was lunch and more free time, where some touch Football (US style) was played - i was QB and we all had a ball, it was so fun. This worked up a sweat so a load of us went swimming in the lake which wasn't as cold as the Loch in Scotland last year Benny not by any stretch! A sleep was needed after that as i only got a handful of hours the night before.

The evening we had dinner another praise/worship time with more on the Armor of God, small groups and later a concert from a couple of bands - got more sleep this night thanks to my ipod. The last morning was spent eating, packing and tidying up before a final shorter meeting, it was a top weekend due to the time we had with our middle Schoolers - esp the roadtrip up and hanging out. We were blessed by the weather that although alot cooler than Charleston was sunny and bright all weekend. Plus God was at work in our Kids lives and that was awesome to see - this is one of the many privelege's we have as Youth Pastors, so thank you God.

We all got home Sunday afternoon knackered but it wasn't long before Connection our High School meeting started, then more sleeps thank goodness!

One Self (Ninja Tune) LIVE at the Village Tavern

Wow a Ninja Tune (think Kid Koala, The Herbaliser, Coldcut to name but a few) artist(s) all the way out in Mount Pleasant, SC this is rare i have been told by my new friend Jeff from Cats Music store and an exciting night was in store, for sure.

Well i didn't go alone, as i was able to convince Haley this wasn't to be missed - plus she is dead keen to learn more about 'my' music which is cool. Well The Village Tavern isn't Wembley Arena as the name gives away but it is a cool little pub venue and it meant we were close to all that happened. Amazingly there weren't many present as the next night a bigger name was in town Del the Funky Homosapien. Their loss as it was a top show.

Unfortunately One Self made up of Dj Vadim, Yarah Bravo and Blu Rum 13 didn't come on stage until 12.35am and we were made to wait until 11pm before any music was played. First up was Dj Kurfew who played some pretty cool beats, then it was a couple of New York bros who just emcee'd ok bit r'n'b for me. Finally Mr Invisible came up and were pretty good, quite angry though even at us which was odd, awesome Dj though.

But before One Self came on Haley had gone due to tiredness, i stayed on and hung out with Jeff and got down with my bad self with some head bobbing and hand waving, ghetto stylee lol!! They were worth the wait very different, due to Yarah's cool feminine lyrics layered over Vadim's cool beats and scratches and Blu rum 13's deeper spits. I chatted to them all after and they were very cool and approachable, Vadim is from East London and had been to Maidenhead so that was cool - he gave me some stickers so i left happy :) They finished up at 1.40am and i got bed about 30 mins later!

I have bought the album so check out my review above and there are photos see under Jonny's Pics link at the top right under my profile.

Check out some of their tunes on:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=42101614

oh dear England!

Whats going on lads!? Robinson kept us in it for most of the match but for a good header and a freak back pass goal which bobbled over Robinson's boot, we lose to Croatia. Again thankfully i was unable to watch the game being in the middle of the day - what needs to happen, any thoughts?

I know we were missing Gerrard but i think we missed those who are hungry like Aaron Lennon and Owen Hargreaves.

Whatever is wrong McLaren needs to sort it quickly, there's no point saying get rid of him. He's here for a while even though Martin O'Neil would have been awesome he is not England Coach. Do we need Beckham back or do we need to just get back to basics, time will tell.

Film Review: The Departed

Martin Scorsese's new film with; Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, Ray Winstone, Martin Sheen and Alec Baldwin what more do i need to say? That is some cast isn't it!

Ok well let me unwrap it further, the story of an undercover cop in the mob and vice versa has been borrowed from Hong Kongs hit Infernal Affairs from a couple of years ago and transfers it to the Boston underworld.
From the opening scenes this film is fierce and violent and doesn't let up for 2 and a half hours so ready yourself for a sensory onslaught - this being said, this is for 18's and over and even then its still only for the hardy.

But what you get is a film that is near to masterful even if you don't like what you always see or hear. Jack Nicholson (who is looking very old by the way) has similar presence to that of DeNiro or Pacino in a Godfather movie, man he is terrifying, ruthless and calculated in his reign as mob boss Costello. Damon and DiCaprio play out the moles who's lives become ever more complex as they try to smoke each other out. There are some memorable scenes and characters none more so than that of the gutter mouth Police Seargent played by Mark Wahlberg a very different role to his one in Invincible thats for certain!

Empire summarise the film better than i could with this:
"Scorsese's . . . focus is on trust and betrayal — how a man can keep his own identity when forced to live a life that is not his own. And DiCaprio and Damon counterbalance each other perfectly, managing to offer a compelling case study of two sides of the same coin, enemies defined by the same dilemma."

This again is a film with very few real hero's but you do sympathise with DiCaprio and have disdain for Damon in the situations they are put in, Winstone is excellent as always, Baldwin has some great lines thats right you do laugh in this movie too. But the film is Jack Nicholson's he owns every frame he's in and its his performance that alone warrants the ticket price.

(4/5) - A turn back to excellence for Scorsese with an incredible cast that together deliver the killer punch.

Same old England!?

Unfortunately or fortunately I couldn't see the game vs. Macedonia at Old Trafford but i am not hugely shocked we couldn't beat 'em with our super star players. I was pleased to hear that ledley King got to play and played well though. Any one who saw it did i miss anything i hear Gerrard and Neville hit the woodwork, was that all that happened?

C'mon Mclaren lets get the lads up for Croatia, who are a much sterner (spelling?) test.

OK Photos have been added, click on 'Jonny's Pics'

Wahwahweewah, I have added some pics, please take a look - click on 'Jonny's Pics' under the heading Links on the right and then choose your album, if you set it up as a slideshow you can sit back and relax rather than click on each individual shot, saves you time and makes it more enjoyable. Thats my little hint anyways.

Enjoy JK7
P.S. This is Chris Wiksell a friend of mine, check those pearly whites! lol

Check out Holy Cross' web page

Hey Everyone back home in Enger-land!

If you want to learn more about Holy Cross where i am serving and learning as an apprentice youth pastor click on

http://www.holycross.net/

and look around, you can find out what happens for the youth under 'Student Ministries' and maybe some pics of me and the rest of the team under 'staff'.

this is an awesome church, come visit sometime :)

JK7

Photos coming soon . . .

Hey Y'all

I have bought a sweet slim digi camera, 6 mega pixels, 3 x optical zoom with a 2.5 inch screen for $230 = 115 quid amazing, anyway i have been snapping away and will be adding pics soon to a link to your right any day soon so check it out!

I have my social security number now, so i have a bank account and can drive my huge Ford Expedition, which is awesome by the way, God is so good and holy Cross are tremendous stewards and very generous also.

Anyway hope you enjoy my blog, i will be adding some recent highlights and news soon, enjoy my reviews and music till then :)

God Bless and don't be a stranger!

Jonnyk

P.S. Thank you Mum, CJ, Jermimah, Matty Jones DUSK. . . .PSSST, MTM, Rich, Sarah, Adam, James and Ben, Phil and Tracey for your postcards, updates, letters and cards they were awesome and cheered me up.

DJ Shadow - Enuff video featuring Q-Tip & Lateef the Truth Speaker

Check this out, one of if not the best tracks off the Outsider album and a class video

http://www.djshadow.com/videos/

Kanye West vs Jackson 5 mash up by DJ Yoda

You gotta check this out, Lardbar and Myles you're gonna love it!

http://www.djyoda.co.uk/

enter site, when you get to the main menu click on the purple octopus 'exclusive' and click on "i want diamonds" and enjoy, what a phat mix!

Check out these songs . . .

If you haven't heard of the following check them out:

1) Dashboard Confessional - 'Don't Wait' off 'Dusk and Summer', awesome rock track.
www.myspace.com/dashboardconfessional

2) Mat Kearney - the whole album 'Nothing Left to Lose' but especially 'Wait', 'Bullet' and 'All I Need', beautiful songs i can't get enough - Christian rock that has crossed over.
http://www.myspace.com/matkearney

3) Leeland - 'Sounds of Melodies' again another Christian alt-rock band that i have been introduced to.
http://www.myspace.com/leelandmusic

My Car has been sold, Praise God!

Finally my car is no longer mine, thank you so much for those of you who have been asking about this and more importantly prayed about it, Sid Dhillon sold it to a lady from the ghetto of High Wycombe for 4,800 english pounds, thank you so much Sid!

So all i need do now is work out how to pay off the rest of my loan about 200-300 pounds and all is well - please keep praying for that.

Music Review: Feedback - Jurassic 5

Jurassic 5 released their 3rd album Feedback just before i came out to the States and i picked it up in the Motherland too, which i am glad as it has an added track that the US one doesn't a live version of a Day at the Races at Brixton Academy which was one of the best tunes off Power in Numbers.

4 MC's and 2 DJ's has become 4 and 1 as DJ Cut Chemist (who i have met and is the best buddy of Dj SHadow btw) has left for reasons unknown but it might be because he is trully underground and it does seem J5 have come out to play at ground level especially when you see Dave Matthews Band are featured!

I am devasted by this and am more than dissappointed by one of my fave groups. They are so talented but i only find myself listening to about 3 tracks on the album as so many just aren't up to much. Have the lads lost their way? I think so, there are glimpses of their huge skills on Radio and Future Sounds but thats it really and Work it out is just like a dressed up Boyz II Men number - Si you might like that! lol

Go to www.jurassic5.com to listen to some of the tracks before you spend money!

I hate it when something you love lets you down, a poor effort from such a talented group. (2/5)

Film Review: The Illusionist

"Nothing is what it seem"

oooh mysterious poster! Yes i know i am seeing alot of films but its half the price of the UK and the next time i go (this Saturday to see The Departed) will be free!

The Illusionist is set in the 19th Century and follows the rise to fame of Eisenheim (the ever excellent Edward Norton of Fight Club, American History X and 25th Hour) a master illusionist who baffles his audiences with incredible skill and style. However awe inspiring his talent it is the secret love of soon to be Princess of Austria and her arrogant and angry fiance that capture the majority of the picture and the struggle that ensues for her, and it is trully captivating.

He doesn't seem to have a chance to win her back as he is of low social standing but using his dark art skills can he save her from a life of fear and win back his life long love?

The film is beautifully shot and acted especially by Norton, Jessica Biel (Blade Trinity), Rufus Sewell as the evil crown prince leopold and Paul Giamatti (The Cinderella Man) as the Chief Inspector. It has the feel of a M. Night Shyamalan (Sixth Sense, The Village) film especially the slow story telling and deep colours and shot choices, but its not! :)

The ending - don't worry no spoilers - left me and my friends a little unsatisfied but it was still a top film if not what i was expecting.
(3.5/5)

Music Review: The Outsider - DJ Shadow

Oh my days, I have been waiting 4 years since 'The Private Press' for Josh Davis to release something new to satisfy my musical cravings. I bought the cd in a music shop here for $12 aka 6 quid bargain! Anywho this album will make you have a bit of a marmite reaction, love it or hate it - but give it time. Shadow is no pop star or up-himself producer he is similar to a surfer in that he is a soul searcher looking for that personal triumph rather than media fame. And he is as much a fan of music as a master producer/DJ/Musician.

That is where this album resides, almost in the selfish section, by that i mean he has gone back to his roots to what he loves, party rap bay area style. If you are hoping for more of the 'Endtroducing' cinematic soundscapes then you will be dissappointed but then 10 years have passed. This album is a bit all over the place, it has some unique instrumentals, loads of hyphy hiphop tracks with superb guest rappers inc Q-Tip, Lateef and Keak da Sneak and then it has some soulful melodic folk songs with guest artists inc Kasabian's lead singer. It doesn't really flow but then thats cos it is just so different to anything else out there.

Do not fear though Shadow has lost none of his creativity or power to conjure up and affect emotions by collaging samples, voices and fragments of long-forgotten recorded dialogue. But the sense here is that, at last, this is the real Shadow, in the raw. It sounds and feels, simply, like the record he's been yearning to make, for himself if no-one else.

Stand out tracks inc; 3 Freaks, Enuff, Turf Dancing and You Made It. (3/5)

Myles, Stocks and Lardbar you gotta check out some of the beats and bass on this record they are insane in my Expedition! Marky, Arist, Joel, Jase, Storey and CJ check it out too.

Click on http://www.myspace.com/djshadow for sample tracks, there are some explicit lyrics i warn you.