I am officially in the 21st century!

Well, this is my first post ever! This is the husband of the aforementioned Chiang Gang from which the name originates.

I have a tendency to think as I write. So, if this post becomes illogical, just let it go.

It has been fun to watch Les' belly grow and to feel ol' Cannon kick (which happened once. I think I've lost all my new endings in my hands or something). I am slowly getting more excited as the time approaches for Cannon to make his first appearance. It continues to grow as he grows. Am I ready to be a dad? I can honestly say "No" but I hope that is a good place to be so that I can lean more on God than on my own devices. That's my prayer at this point and I hope that it always is. I just hope that I can love him and Les well. It is a little weird so far especially with an empty crib in Cannon's room but it will become reality in three months from today! Wow!

Since Leslie started this blog, she thought that it would be a good idea for me to post some thoughts on films that I have seen and mulled over at least a little bit. Sp here we go...


We were able to get a advance screening ticket to go see this film last night. I heard about this movie a few months ago and have been itchin' to see it since I heard about it and with the attacks in Mumbai a couple weeks ago, this movie is even that much more relevant and appropriate since the main characters are from the slums of Mumbai.

The quick synopsis of this film is about a young boy who grow up in the slums of Mumbai and gets on the Indian version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire". He ends up winning on the show and right after leaving the stage, he is arrested by the police because they believe that he cheated because they can't believe that a boy that grew up in the slums could know some much.

As the interrogation and questioning continues, the main character's (Jamal) life unfolds as he answers each question on the show. Each question explains some experience in his life and as the he gets closer to the million (or 20 million rupies), the intensity of his life unfolding increases. I won't say anything more about the plot so that I don't want to spoil it if you don't know nothing about it other than the fact this film will put you through the full range of emotions from laughter to tears. That is cliche but so true about this film. It's been a long time since I've seen a film that was two hours long and legitimately needed the whole two hours to tell the story fully. And here is another cliched saying: this is why films are made. This movie epitomizes what is great about film. It tells a compelling story as well as hooks you into it as if you're living it with Jamal. Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, 28 Days Late, Millions), the director, films it in a way that you do feel as if you're running through the streets of Mumbai with the characters. You feel every single bit of the film as if you're there. Boyle transcends the film beyond the screen and puts the viewer right in the middle of everything.

Jamal is a sympathetic character but he isn't pitiful. He has strength, courage, and focus. He's a character that you no doubt will side with because he is not tainted in his belief in seeking after what he wants or believes is right. His is a noble cause. He is sincere and genuine. His motives are pure and he always tells the truth. And underneath it all, the movie has so much hope in the midst of hopelessness. There is hope in the streets of Mumbai. There is hope in the slums, in the midst of the trash heaps. There is hope when the world and people say there isn't any. There is always hope no matter what your circumstances may say. That is something we can live by.