January 23, 2008 – 3:23 pm
Much like when he helped me out with my paper route, gave me my first real job, and told me at 15 to “Shave, already, you look like a goof” my dad has decided to become a guest poster on Upper Fort Stewart. Please let him know what you think in the comments.
Hello! I am Ian’s Father, Graham. The reason I am writing here? Sunday after supper I made a comment that he was neglecting his Blog. His wife agreed but suggested I should write in it since he is so busy. I am a man who loves books and love to read. He grew up with books everywhere and me reading all the time so I guess I have to take some responsibility for his love of books and thus this Blog.
I differ from Ian in why I read and what I think makes a great book. I have no patience for books or authors who write in the style that promotes debate over the exact meaning of what they are saying. ie: you can say “winged migratory feathered waterfowl” and leave the debate open as to which one, or you can say Duck and make it clear. I prefer authors who say Duck.
Previously Ian talked about books I had given him to read and which were likely my favorite books. He got it wrong. I think he only remember me reading Science Fiction. Which I do read for pure escapism. My favorite book? Well, that would have to be “Day to Day with Stevenson”, a little known work by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is comprised of short motivational quotes for each day of the year. I think it is the father of all motivational books that have followed. Favorite Novel would have to be “Kidnapped”. Guess I really like Stevenson. Science Fiction book, “Skylark”, By Smith. Series of 4 that went down hill after the first one. Now this will be giant surprise for Ian. A book I keep in my den and read parts of often. Modern English Prose, a compilation printed in 1922 by Macmillan Company in London.
Like most children I am sure Ian sees things about his parents in one dimension. I know I did. So my writing here should be a learning experience for him. Guess I should say Duck. Until he has more time I will bore you with my thoughts on books I read. If he lets me.
If any of you get a chance, look at the books I mentioned and let me know what you think.
Ian here. I think I’ll be borrowing Skylark from my dad. If I haven’t stolen it from him already. Thanks, dad.
January 8, 2008 – 8:01 am
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.
December 21, 2007 – 3:34 pm
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.
December 21, 2007 – 6:56 am
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.
December 17, 2007 – 1:13 pm
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.