A Walk Across Egypt

By Carolyn Weeks May
 
Have you noticed that some of the all-time best movies are practically unknown?  When I go to a video store, I like to take the time to find the one-of-a-kind movies, those that the store only has a single copy for rent. These are the ones that never appeared in the theater or had a very short run and now they're in a box on a shelf at the video store.  

One of my top five favorites is a movie called A Walk Across Egypt with Ellen Burstyn. I had never seen many movies with this actress, so I don't really know why I picked it up but, I am so glad I did.  The title is misleading, having nothing to do with Egypt.   The story is about a widow and a young man in reform school. It is such a wonderful movie in every way.  The cast is spectacular, though comprised of actors and actresses that you don't see very often, but each one was great and perfect for their role in this family friendly movie.
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Artist Spotlight: Kate Hurley

By Gerard Medicis

Christian music fans have a priceless gift in Worship Circle Records’ artist, Kate Hurley.  Out of Boulder, Colorado, this singer/songwriter has a passion and maturity to her music that convey her extensive experience and commitment to ministry.

Her website explains that Kate has been writing music since she was a little girl.  In the tradition of so many great songwriters before her, she uses acoustic guitar or piano, uncluttered arrangements and the well-developed instrument of her voice, to communicate her songs.

Playing in venues ranging from jails to concert halls, and in several different countries (e.g. the U.S., Russia, Thailand, India, Ireland and Brazil), this seasoned artist has a refreshing depth to her songwriting; like cool water to the thirsty.
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To See or Not To See: That is the Question

By Dante Longo II
 
Your co-worker, anonymous Joe, just told you about a box office smash, one that will certainly break attendance records. It's so good he's compelled to see it again–if you'll accompany him to a 7:30 p.m. showing at "The Bijou Theatre" on Main Street. Never quite sure about the connection between "bijou" and "bayou," your antennae quiver, seeking signs of submerged obstacles in low-lying waters.

Refraining from pointed questions such as, "Does it honor the Lord?" you take a tactful route, "What's it about, Joe?" He responds, "It has Jane Fonda and Michael Moore in it." Your antennae break into a linear rendition of the funky-chicken. Knowing that your question was misinterpreted, or avoided, you ask "Is it gory?" Joe, ever forthright, replies "Not really. Jane portrays an aging club dancer addicted to crack cocaine and younger men . . . ." Standing next to the water cooler, you shift your feet. Ummm. "What is it rated, Joe? How would my kids benefit from watching it?"  Joe, enthusiasm dampened, crumples a paper cone cup and stuffs into the right front pocket of his chinos. "I think it's R-Rated, but that doesn't mean anything – you know how ten little cuss words and a few seconds of nudity can skew a rating."  Your antennae go rigid, and faint.
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Artist Spotlight: Candlefuse

By Brad McBrayer 

The dictionary would call a candle “something burned to give light.”  Similarly a definition for “fuse” might be “something filled with combustible matter to ignite a detonation.”  Put the two together – Candlefuse – and you get an explosive rock band who intends to share the Light of the World through their music.

From the Northeast Corner of Alabama, and the shadows of Lookout Mountain, comes this guitar-heavy group of guys blasting out a hopeful message through their full-length debut album “Never Go Unheard.”  “Look out!” is appropriate.  You better pay attention, or you might get blown away by their dynamic success, because these guys are for real and sound as if they have staying power.

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Ugly Betty

By Hope Chastain

True to form, the writers of Ugly Betty on ABC had many surprises for viewers on the season opener.  Having ended the first season with a number of cliff hangers, they raised our hopes on some issues, only to dash them to the ground again.  It is interesting to watch the characters come to life and become somewhat real to us over the course of just one season.

In this new season, once again we see Betty’s very square peg trying to fit into the round (very thin) hole of Mode Magazine.  She is overworked and underappreciated.  Everywhere she looks, the shallowness and emptiness of the lives of her co-workers and bosses grate on her nerves.  Meanwhile, she’s coping with serious family problems including the death of her nephew’s father, her sister’s sorrow, and the immigration problems of her own father, who is still stuck in Mexico.  At work, she is trying to run the office for her boss, Daniel, who is hospitalized after a car crash that almost killed him.  If this wasn't enough, Betty is still grieving over the departure of her boyfriend, Henry, as well as trying to handle what seems like a dozen other difficulties.  

I could go on and on about the escape of Claire Meade from prison, Amanda’s sudden weight gain after finding out she was adopted, the heartless ad campaign Wilhelmina Slater is having done while planning her marriage to Bradford Meade and her ultimate goal of taking over Mode Magazine.  But, if you’re familiar with the show, you can probably guess what will be next.  There were some significant surprises though, like Alexis regaining consciousness.  It looks as if the show is off to a good start on its second season.  If the writers keep up this pace, there will be many more surprises in store for viewers.

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