My Top 13

In this 13th year after the start of the second millennium in the year of our Lord I thought I would provide you with my top 13. This page will be updated each month with one of my 13 favorite books, songs, movies, or anything else that I think is just plain good.  There is no specific order and no criteria other than my own feelings and opinions. And I know what you're thinking - there are only 12 months in a year but I'm posting my top 13. Well you will just have to check back often and find out which month gets two of my favorites. So here we go:
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June:

Book ~ Walkable City: How Downtown can Save America One Step at a Time by Jeff Speck.  The former head of St. John's Catholic Newman Center, Msgr. Stewart Swetland, would also give the same homily for the last mass before school let out for the summer. He suggested that the students read 3 books: one for pleasure, one for their field of study or career and one for their soul. This is my career book. The author talks about the importance of walking, biking and the availability of public transit, not only in terms of environmental benefits but cites very specific stats as to improved health, economic growth and overall happiness! Lots of time people will ask me what I am reading. Well this is it. I'm only halfway through but I can already tell that it will be a top 13 favorite of mine, especially in terms of city planning. And I absolutely recommend it to anyone who lives in a large city, near a large city, in a suburb or enjoys a walk around their neighborhood.

Movie ~ The Sandlot directed by David Evans. This being the 20th anniversary of the what I consider one of the greatest summer and baseball movies, I suggest watching The Sandlot this summer. "Smore of what?" "Your killin' me Smalls!" "I don't know, some girl named Baby Ruth" "You play ball like a girl!" This movie is just filled with some great quotes and I think every kid wanted a place like they had to play ball with their friends in the summer - their own private diamond. Anyway, buy it, rent it from the red box or check it out at the library or your netflix. It's worth watching for the first time or again for the 20th time.

Song ~ Six Pack Summer by Phil Vassar. With Summer officially starting near the end of this month I share with you my favorite summer song for the past decade. This is off the first cd he recorded himself and alone produced 8 hit singles. He started as an accomplished song writing doing tunes for Tim McGraw, Jo Dee Messina and several others then decided to record the music himself and he has since become a country favorite and gives one heck of a concert. Enjoy the summer days! 

May:

Book ~ The Gospel of John by John the Apostle. Yup this is the fourth gospel in the new testament of the bible. John's account of the birth, life and passion of Our Lord is my favorite. From the very start, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" I am taken in by his story. Jesus is the most compelling figure in all of history. Whether you think him Lord, liar or lunatic, he is the most talked about person (and probably the most talked to) in history and I think John, the beloved disciple, givese such an intimate account of his time with the fully god and fully man, Jesus Christ. 

Movie ~ Tommy Boy staring Chris Farley and David Spade. This was my favorite movie growing up. I probably watched it more than 30 times in high school and knew the scenes line by line. It's a bit of childish humor but it still makes me laugh...I mean I still think that a guarantee is just a way of the company saying they are selling me a pair guaranteed piece of s*^t that they know is going to break down. This is one of the finer works of ex-SNL stars and if you haven't seen it do diaphragm a favor a laugh a little. 

Song ~  Let it Go by The Zac Brown Band. Here is a great drivin song. Roll down your windows on a beautiful summer day and drive west on Rt 64 and don't stop until you get to Oregon, IL. On your way put this song on your radio and hit the repeat button. You wont be disappointed. At the same time it speaks to the idea of don't-sweat-the-small-stuff; learn to let it go. Take a listen here. 

April:

Book ~ Love & Responsibility by Karol Wojtya. I first read this book when I was a sophomore at UofI. I remember it being a little over my philosophical head at the time so I put it down. But it was only a few months later that I picked it back up to read through again. This time I took my time. I would read some paragraphs three or four times to understand what the future pope meant. By the time I finished it I wanted to read it again and recommend it to everyone I knew! So that's what I am doing now. This book is somewhat of a prequel to his full work in Theology of the Body so he lays the foundation for what it means to love a person. If you're married it will open your heart to love your spouse even more; and if you are single it will prepare your heart to love your future spouse (as it did mine) but also help you to love, truly love, those around you. Do yourself a favor and read this book! It can be a challenge but don't stop it gets better and better.

Movie ~ A Man for All Seasons The Story of Thomas More. Again going back to my college days. I still remember watching this with my friend Mitch in my college dorm room my freshman year. Thomas More is a great example of a man of courage and virtue. After watching the movie I remember thinking to myself that he was a real BA! He stood up for his beliefs, and stood unto death, against his boss and king. Our world, and in particular our governments, could use more leaders like him in power: men who fight for moral and absolute truth! He is the patron saint of many things, one of them being government workers, so I now have a prayer card of his at work. And when tough moral and ethical decisions arise at work I pray for his intercession and guidance. So watch this movie and pray for all those in political power.

Song ~ Quarter Master by Snarky Puppy. Now this is the absolute definition of G-R-O-O-V-E! My friend, Mike, showed me this link one day and I tell you true, I listened to it the rest of the day and all the next at work. Every time I listen to it I hear something new. This is one of those songs where you just can't help but move and dance! Enjoy!!! 

March:

Book ~ The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. This book, like all of his books, is a good read. He describes the Tipping Point as that magic moment when an idea, trend or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips and spreads like wildfire. He is a bestselling author and a staff writer for The New Yorker. His books take a look at ordinary events or ideas but in an extrodinary way. I found myself saying, "wow...huh...WOW!" on pretty much every page. Check out any of his books from the library and you won't be disappointed or see his talk on TED. And that means something coming from me!

Movie ~ Gladiator. Directed by Ridley Scott. I'm a guy so I love pretty much any movie that highlights courage, honor, trust, friendship, mercy and other virtuous qualities  This movie has all of that...plus some really cool fight scenes and a killer soundtrack (a classic brought to us by Hans Zimmer). If you know nothing about it I won't spoil it for you here but if you want it spoiled just read more on the imdb or wikipedia page. The quick synopsis is that a Roman general is betrayed and his family is murdered by the emperor's corrupt son, so he goes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge. SO GOOD!

Song ~ Lay It On Me. Written and Performed by The Kicks. I met the lead singer of The Kicks, Jordan Phillips, through a good friend of mine when I visited him in Nashville. When it comes to true, honest, always-there-for-you-friends, fun-guy-to-hang-out-with Jordan is near the top of the list. He also happens to know how to rock with his buddies! Check it out here. These guys are the real deal. They rock like the classic bands (Zepplin, Stones, Queen) and write some heartfelt tunes! I highly suggest supporting them and buying some of their music if your eardrums enjoy being pleasured with the sounds of rock and groove. They just released a new album a few months ago so check them out. thekicksrock.com

February:

Book ~ Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. The other night as we were going to bed Megan asked if she could read me a book. Me being the avid literaturist (and who doesn't like being read a book before bed?) I said "Sure"! She pulled out this book called Spoon. It's about a happy little utensil named Spoon. But lately he feels like life as a spoon just isn't cutting it.  He thinks Fork, Knife and The Chopsticks all have it so much better than him.  But do they? Read it to find out! I would highly suggest checking it out from the library, or maybe just buy it since you'll want to read it again and again and again and again. It's very cute!

Movie ~ Inception. Directed by Christopher Nolan. Crazy. That's the best way to describe this movie in one word. Imagine if the plot were true, if it could be done: plant an idea in someones mind and make them think it was their own idea. The world could literally be changed. But that is the beauty of man. We have freedom to think for ourselves. It's what separates us from all other animals and living creatures. It's part of what gives each and every person a special dignity that should not, and cannot, be taken away from them. The movie also won loads of awards for special effects. It's pretty darn sweet to see a whole city get flipped upside down and to see fight scenes in mid air. It's like the Matrix but without Keanu Reeves! I bought a copy at Walmart for 5 bucks. If you're still hesitant check it out from the redbox.

Song ~ Memorare. Written by Danielle Rose. As I stated in an earlier post, this is a beautiful melodic version of a still more beautiful, and powerful, prayer! Have a listen here. 

January:

Book ~ The World's First Love by Fulton Sheen. Being the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God I thought it would be appropriate to give you this book first. It's definitely in my top 13, and maybe even top 5 favorite books of all time. I would highly suggest checking it out from the library, or maybe just buy it since you'll probably want to underline every other sentence.

Movie ~ The Lord of the Rings (All 3 movies, extended editions). Directed by Peter Jackson. Based on the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien. The symbolism to Christianity is undeniable and if you are looking for a little extra reading about it check out Peter Kreeft's book. Also, Legolas is a BA. 'Nuff said.

Song ~ Don't Get Around Much Anymore. Composed by Duke Ellington with lyrics from Bob Russell. I like it best when Johnny Hodges is playing the lead but any version is great. Have a listen here.