I'm about to get highly opinionated here, so either stop reading or strap yourself in. The topic of favorite movie ever is a contentious one. Yet I am willing to risk the ire of the Interwebs and make a definitive proclamation.

First, my criteria. I have four elements that I love in movies. The more of these present in the movie, the better. Guns, explosions, car chases and aliens. Cram those in a movie and as long as it isn't too awful, there's a really good chance I'll like it. I have no issues with handsome heroes and beautiful heroines. Magnificent scenery is always appreciated. A little humor goes a long way. But, over the years, I have narrowed my personal criteria down to Guns, explosions, car chases and aliens. And I'm pretty sure that I'm old enough to stubbornly stick with what I like, so I fully intend to.

So, gentle reader, which movie happens to float to the top of the pile when I apply these criteria? My answer is "The Fifth Element". No one else in the family likes it, but it's still my favorite. Lots of aliens, Bruce Willis back when he had some hair, plenty of explosions and guns and even a brief car chase.

A version of Led Zeppelin's classic Stairway To Heaven performed in traditional Japanese style.

Christmas is wonderful and I love it. I even preached on Christmas Day about how love is the best word to describe Christmas. But after all of the seriousness and fun and gathering with family there comes a time to flop down and relax and be thankful and grateful for it. And this is that day.

Christmas started for us on the 23rd, a Friday, with a visit to the extended family. The following morning we returned home and had our personal family Christmas time. Sunday morning was church followed by heading home for a delicious lunch, a nap and some local friends over to visit in the evening.

Boxing day was a gentle start and then heading in to Madison to watch The Nutcracker with my brother-in-law and his family and eating afterwards.

The classic Run Rudolph Run performed by Lemmy, Billy Gibbons and Dave Grohl.

It was insanely cold earlier this week, but the clear blue sky and bright white snow called to me, so I took a walk during my lunchbreak at work. I thought this was a nice picture.