The Bible Unearthed is a 90-minute documentary that aired on the History Channel. The sound gets a little out of sync on this YouTube video, but I haven't been able to find a better version. If you can't stand it, check your TV listings or just read the book that it's based on. The video discusses the Old Testament stories in relationship with what we can determine through history and archaeology.

The picture that emerges is very different from the story that the Bible tells. During the seventh to fifth centuries BC the nations of Israel and Judah were coalescing. Religion and history were both crafted to set the nations apart from the surrounding people. Their mythologies were eventually combined and revised into what we call the Old Testament. I guess that's why there are two versions of several stories in the Bible (e.g., creation and 10 the commandments). It's also possible that monotheism is not as old at the Bible suggests. The fledgling Jewish nations may have selected a god from the pantheon and declared that he was the only true god, not unlike what Muhammad did with Allah. There is certainly evidence that El, a very early name for the Jewish god, was part of the pantheons of several of the surrounding cultures.

I would love to hear what you think of the video. I just requested the book from the library.

I wasn't all that interested in WALL-E based on the trailers I saw, but I knew one thing: the movie was being made by Pixar. That alone is enough to get me to the theater, although I admit it's taken me a while to learn that lesson. I think the only mistake Pixar has ever made was the vocal casting in Finding Nemo (but I know I'm a minority on that one). So, Ric and I ran out to see the movie in its opening weekend.

Now, I have almost no anticipation for the rest of the summer, because I'm pretty sure I just saw the best movie that the summer has to offer. Am I exaggerating? I don't think so. WALL-E is full of creativity, made me feel more than I've felt at any movie this year, and was the simplest and most complex movie I've seen this summer. It could melt the coldest of hearts and is enjoyable for all ages. What else could you ask for?

Shoot. I've got to get to an appointment. Here's the quick lowdown. The movie is funny, sad, romantic, adventurous, and many other emotions rolled into one. It's a timely piece that criticizes our current generation. It looks wonderful and the textures are better than ever by Pixar. Even the credits look amazing.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and sing its praises to everyone. And now, the generic entertainment magazine quote, which is entirely appropriate here: if you see one movie this summer, see WALL-E.

Gotta run!