The Computer Is Trying To Kill Me

8th
Jan. × ’08
By Ian Stewart

Okay, maybe it’s not trying to kill me. But it’s certainly not helping me breathe easier.

This weekend I designed and developed a mini-site for my Church. It was kind of fun and it was the first collaboration between my wife and I where we weren’t at each other’s throats (designing our wedding invitations together almost ruined our marriage) but it sort of ruined my weekend. I’ll update this post when it’s live. Thanks, Will Wilkins, and John Boardley for the feedback on the test site.

Update: The site is up. It’s a mini-site for The St. Margaret’s Consultation on Doctrine, Liturgy, and Preaching advertising their upcoming conference on Human Sexuality and the Nuptial Mystery.

Of course, I’m following that up with more work: tweaking the already awesome modifications Jason Simon has made to my Essay theme over at Open To Difference. Jason’s a great guy and his blog’s great too. Check it out.

And then—yes, more—I plan on launching ThemeShaper.com. Subscribe! Link! Tell your mom! All that other good stuff.

All this is fun but—there’s something wrong with me, isn’t there? Anyway, if you were wondering, I’m not dead, just fighting for my life.

Posted in Not Exactly Bookish | 3 Comments

10-Year Old Book Blogger

21st
Dec. × ’07
By Ian Stewart

We have a new book blogger to read, one who fills what I consider a desperately unfulfilled niche, good books for kids (please point me in the direction of good blogs if you feel I’m wrong)—and he’s only 10! I have lots of ideas about what 10-year olds should read—mostly unimaginative. Just how many times can I say “read the classics”?  Check out Evan’s Book Site and find out what a real kid reads. I expect to be refreshed by and surprised by what a 10 year old wants to read and, more importantly, why. Good luck, Evan.

Rather nice site design, isn’t it? Not surprising, considering who Evan’s dad is.

Posted in Ephemera | Leave a comment

An Introduction To… Don’t Read This Book

21st
Dec. × ’07
By Ian Stewart

I’m at a point in my life where I no longer want to read anything with a title that begins with “An Introduction To…”. You know like, “An Introduction To Alligator Wrestling” or “An Introduction To Bankruptcy” or—you get the picture.

Much better of course, is a comprehensive overview. Any comprehensive, or exhaustive, overview is going to to introduce the subject anyway and in as few words as possible. That gets the introduction out of the way as soon as possible so the good stuff can be gotten to. Even better, you’ll be reading an introduction from an expert.

Avoid the advice of people who want you to read “An Introduction To…”. They think you’re dumb.

That said, an introduction written by a phenomenally knowledgeable expert doesn’t count. A perfect example: Tokens of Trust: An Introduction To Christian Belief by Rowan Williams. You know the Archbishop of Canterbury is going to have something interesting to say in the matter of an introduction. I’d read “An Introduction To…” written by his eyebrows.

Posted in Ideas About Reading | 2 Comments

Despair and Hope for Christmas

17th
Dec. × ’07
By Ian Stewart

I dipped into the book three times reading two pages each time. My heart was racing. I felt like crying, maybe being sick. I was scared. Harrowing, I think, is the word I need to use here. What book was it? I can’t say. I got it for my sister for Christmas. And on the off chance she’s reading this, you know, ruined surprises and all.

Anyway, I’m sure you all will be able to guess what the book is. The author’s old. He likes cowboys. And violence. Critically acclaimed this year. See? Easy. But wow. What a read.

I’ve wanted to read this mystery author’s work for a while now. Specifically the older book of his that shares the same initials as, um, Bowel Movement. I understand that this current book of his is sort of out of line with the rest of his work, in style alone, not thematically. I think I’d like to read everything he’s written.

This book: Buy it. Read it. I know I’m going to.

Posted in Enthusiasm and Uncertainty | 2 Comments

Updates at DailyLit

13th
Dec. × ’07
By Ian Stewart

Read books by email service DailyLit have expanded their feature list (and redesigned their site—very nice). From the (first ever) email update:

  • We now have over 675 public domain and creative commons books available for free.We have started to release bestselling and award-winning titles (for a small fee) including the #1 New York Times bestselling title, SKINNY B**CH (for $4.95); a Berlitz Spanish course created exclusively for DailyLit (for $6.95); science fiction and thrillers such as IN FURY BORN (for $4.95) and BLOOD DIAMONDS (for $4.95); and even an exclusive Kaplan SAT course (for $4.95). Harlequin titles are also in the works, available in just a few short weeks.
  • We have added many new features, including reading via RSS, advanced customization of installment delivery times and installment length, and forums for discussing books with other DailyLit subscribers.
  • To celebrate the holiday season, we have just added the ability to give a DailyLit book as a gift and add a personalized message to be included in each installment. You can send a classic book as a gift, including such holiday favorites as LITTLE WOMEN, with a personalized message — all for free (our gift to you). DailyLit gifts can be sent at the last minute and received seconds later.

I’ve tried DailyLit before and ultimately gave up on it. RSS sounds interesting but do I really need more noise in my feed reader? Anyway, I’ve decided I want books to read in my email as much as I want poetry read to me by phone. That is, not at all.

Man, that makes me sound old and grumpy. Maybe I should sign up again.

Posted in Ideas About Reading | 4 Comments