Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Hello my family,
sorry that i haven't told anyone what i like to read, now it's probably too late. but i think i'll give it a try, I like the Sci-Fi novels, but not the ones like star trek, i like ones that are based on medieval age times, David Gemmel is my favorite author but i have most of his books, so that doesn't really help, but stuff like that is awesome, also C. S. Lewis is cool.
sorry that i haven't told anyone what i like to read, now it's probably too late. but i think i'll give it a try, I like the Sci-Fi novels, but not the ones like star trek, i like ones that are based on medieval age times, David Gemmel is my favorite author but i have most of his books, so that doesn't really help, but stuff like that is awesome, also C. S. Lewis is cool.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Possibilities for Chris L.
Although this is maybe too late, I thought I'd put something up on the blog about gift possibilities for myself. I've liked history, including current history about the war on terror, Iraq, and Afghanistan. A book that I would like to read that's available on Amazon (but not at my public library) is 48 Liberal Lies About American History: (That You Probably Learned in School) by Larry Schweikart. Another possibility is a book about teaching physics available on Amazon called Interactive Lecture Demonstrations, Active Learning in Introductory Physics by David R. Sokoloff, Ronald K. Thornton. If anyone wants to use Amazon, get my address from Tantie (I'm following the security regs here for posting).
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Change #1
Ok I have found through the grapevine that getting my wife the twilight book is off the table. So now you can ask my mom for input. She likes music and movies too.
What books we like
Well I guess its time to tell everyone what kind of books me and my husband like.
John loves books about spies and such. He absolutely adores the author Robert Ludlum, who wrote the Bourne books. But he already has the newest Bourne book, but he would love any book along that same line of writing. David Baldacci and especially Eric Van Lustbader are also among his favorites.
I on the complete opposite hand love historical romances. I've read a couple of Phillipa Gregory books and I really like her. I love when the books mention a lot about true historical facts. But I also really like The Wicked and Son of a Witch books. I would love either A Lion Among Men or Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. But alos, i really like authors such as Lori Wick and Karen Kingsbury. Hope I gave enough info for everyone :)
John loves books about spies and such. He absolutely adores the author Robert Ludlum, who wrote the Bourne books. But he already has the newest Bourne book, but he would love any book along that same line of writing. David Baldacci and especially Eric Van Lustbader are also among his favorites.
I on the complete opposite hand love historical romances. I've read a couple of Phillipa Gregory books and I really like her. I love when the books mention a lot about true historical facts. But I also really like The Wicked and Son of a Witch books. I would love either A Lion Among Men or Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. But alos, i really like authors such as Lori Wick and Karen Kingsbury. Hope I gave enough info for everyone :)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Forgot about the blog
Ok, so I may have missed a week of updates. I kinda forgot that we even had this. I am willing to put in my input as to what type of books the wife and I would like. I like any books that have to deal with WWII and Vietnam. Not quite like the tommes that David likes. More like books written by the guys that were there. I have a good many books about WW2 so if anyone knows of a good Vietnam book then that would be nice. I am also willing to try other books if someone thinks that I will enjoy it. My wife would like the first book in the twilight series.
Fanfi--Let Walter know that if he wants someone to go to Vietnam with him and that if he lets me know with enough time to save some money up that I would like to go with him. I would have to seek permission from the Queen first though.
Fanfi--Let Walter know that if he wants someone to go to Vietnam with him and that if he lets me know with enough time to save some money up that I would like to go with him. I would have to seek permission from the Queen first though.
Monday, December 15, 2008
So good to hear from our southern kin!! Brandie, Fanfi, Christy and even Katharine C. who keeps inchng her way south.
What a great idea with The Count of Monte Cristo, Brandie, I thought it was a good book too. Have you read some of his others? I've wanted to read The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but I haven't gotten it yet. I'm not sure if it's as good.
Christy, it's so good to hear from you! I know you guys must be constantly hopping, especially around Christmas. We are keeping you, the boys and Ryan in our prayers, particularly this Christmas.
Fanfi, are you sending some of your warm, balmy weather this way? Actually, you can keep it, WE WANT SNOW, and lots of it.Thanks for the low down on Walter, but how about you? What do you like to read/listen to/watch?
And now to the important question, Why a lovely, bright eyed giraffe for Tantie? Or is it Tante? Obviously its a Freudian slip, because spots/squares have always been my passion. Why couldn't God have given us squares? But it was the eye that caught my attention. Can't you just see her ready to wink at you? Like she's inviting you to share in the wonderful secret of life.
And Katharine C., I agree that this is a pressing question for those of us who see and speak a lot of our words. I'm still trying to to wrap my head around Katharine C. Should we shorten it to K.C.? I don't know if I will be able to change Tantie, that's what it is in my head. But here's the question, can we just do both? Is there another Tante/Tantie out there? Can't I have two names for me?
Too long a post, love you all!
What a great idea with The Count of Monte Cristo, Brandie, I thought it was a good book too. Have you read some of his others? I've wanted to read The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but I haven't gotten it yet. I'm not sure if it's as good.
Christy, it's so good to hear from you! I know you guys must be constantly hopping, especially around Christmas. We are keeping you, the boys and Ryan in our prayers, particularly this Christmas.
Fanfi, are you sending some of your warm, balmy weather this way? Actually, you can keep it, WE WANT SNOW, and lots of it.Thanks for the low down on Walter, but how about you? What do you like to read/listen to/watch?
And now to the important question, Why a lovely, bright eyed giraffe for Tantie? Or is it Tante? Obviously its a Freudian slip, because spots/squares have always been my passion. Why couldn't God have given us squares? But it was the eye that caught my attention. Can't you just see her ready to wink at you? Like she's inviting you to share in the wonderful secret of life.
And Katharine C., I agree that this is a pressing question for those of us who see and speak a lot of our words. I'm still trying to to wrap my head around Katharine C. Should we shorten it to K.C.? I don't know if I will be able to change Tantie, that's what it is in my head. But here's the question, can we just do both? Is there another Tante/Tantie out there? Can't I have two names for me?
Too long a post, love you all!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
More on Children's Books
Katharine, the Washington Post Book World this morning has their annual holiday children's issue. It may give you a few ideas. Of particular interest is Michael Dirda's evaluation of Robert Louis Stevenson, which opens like this:
At any rate, the links above may give you some ideas.
That's the opening paragraph of Stevenson's New Arabian Nights and it certainly grabbed my attention. I expect that paragraph would grab the attention of most 9-12 year old boys, and probably a lot of the girls.There comes a time in the life of any young reader when nothing but adventure will do. It is the time when the old classics -- The Count of Monte Cristo [great call Brandie! - DC], Journey to the Center of the Earth, King Solomon's Mines -- are suddenly the best stories in all the world. Which, of course, they are -- with the possible exception of those that begin this way:
The London fog rolls in, and out of the darkness emerge two figures. One is tall, eccentric in his habits, always in search of mysteries and puzzles; the other is his brave and loyal companion, clearly a military man. In the course of their adventures together they will fearlessly penetrate the inner sanctum of The Suicide Club, confront more than one master criminal and solve the theft of the accursed Rajah's Diamond.
At any rate, the links above may give you some ideas.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Tante??? Or Tantie???
A very scary thought has been provoked by this blog. How in the world does our family spell Tante?? For as long as I can remember I have been spelling it "Tante"...and now, all of the sudden I see Tante spelling it "Tantie", and David spelling it that way as well. I think we need some clarification on the subject.
Ok, only for the Moran clan would I attempt to use technology like this. Its great to see everyone so active on this site. I doubt I will get to keep up with it much due to lack of time, but on behalf of all the Schrocks we love and miss you all and are thankful to participate in this new family activity. I may be posting for all 4 of us because Ryan and I cannot access these sites regularly on our government networks. I am also anxious to do the exchange. Happy Holidays - Christy & Boys!
Count of Monte Cristo
Thanks Brandie for the suggestion. I had not thought of that book at all - I will try reading it over the break.
Giraffe??
Eugenia - this has been bugging me.... Why do you have a giraffe as your picture? Is this a secret longing to be tall? Do you have some strange affection for spots? Or do you just like to see the world from God's perspective?
Friday, December 12, 2008
Just a thought
Okay, the first time I tried to respond, it didn't go where I thought it would, so here it it again. Forgive me, this if my first blog!
Katherine, have you thought about "The Count of Monte Cristo?" I read it in high school. It was very appealing to both guys and girls and has many moral and religious themes running through it. I think it would be okay for a Christian school, though it's been a long time since I read it. You'd probably want to check it out for yourself. P.S. I LOVE the movie!
Katherine, have you thought about "The Count of Monte Cristo?" I read it in high school. It was very appealing to both guys and girls and has many moral and religious themes running through it. I think it would be okay for a Christian school, though it's been a long time since I read it. You'd probably want to check it out for yourself. P.S. I LOVE the movie!
About Huck Fin
I thought about Huckleberry Finn - but when I tried to read it over the summer I found it was really hard to get through. I didn't find it interesting at all! (what does that say about me? I really don't want to know) I know it's a classic and everyone raves about it, but I didn't think the kids would like it at all.
It's all about me
Okay, I'll get the ball rolling. A book I really want to read is Ian Kershaw's Fateful Choices: Ten Decisions That Changed the World, 1940-1941. If you can't wait to know what those decisions were, go here and click on the Table of Contents. This looks fascinating to me. Paperback version is just a little over 12 bucks on Amazon, so it should fit within any monetary limit set by the powers that be.
World War II is my favorite historical subject to read about. Actually, the two wars and the periods leading up to them I find extremely interesting, the period from about 1900-1945. The only other periods of history that come close in interest for me are the American founding and the Romans. Regarding the American founding, if anyone is interested, two books by Joseph Ellis, Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation and American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies in the Founding of the Republic are simply outstanding.
I've taken a break from reading history lately but I'm ready to jump back in. For a couple of years just about all I read were histories, a lot of big histories, 600, 700, 800 pages tomes. Doorstops, if you will. But I kind of hit a wall early this year and decided to read some lighter fare. So this year has been dedicated to novels and essay collections. The last history I read was back in February, Rick Atkinson's The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944, the second volume of his Liberation Trilogy about the Allied campaigns in Africa and Western Europe. The first volume, An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943, which I also read, won the Pulitzer for history a few years back. Both books are brilliant. The final volume, dealing with the Normandy invasion and the march to Berlin, should be out next year.
So there you have it, the book I'm most looking forward to read over the Christmas holidays, plus a few suggestions for your own reading pleasure. So what say you? What's your book? What are you dying to read?
World War II is my favorite historical subject to read about. Actually, the two wars and the periods leading up to them I find extremely interesting, the period from about 1900-1945. The only other periods of history that come close in interest for me are the American founding and the Romans. Regarding the American founding, if anyone is interested, two books by Joseph Ellis, Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation and American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies in the Founding of the Republic are simply outstanding.
I've taken a break from reading history lately but I'm ready to jump back in. For a couple of years just about all I read were histories, a lot of big histories, 600, 700, 800 pages tomes. Doorstops, if you will. But I kind of hit a wall early this year and decided to read some lighter fare. So this year has been dedicated to novels and essay collections. The last history I read was back in February, Rick Atkinson's The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944, the second volume of his Liberation Trilogy about the Allied campaigns in Africa and Western Europe. The first volume, An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943, which I also read, won the Pulitzer for history a few years back. Both books are brilliant. The final volume, dealing with the Normandy invasion and the march to Berlin, should be out next year.
So there you have it, the book I'm most looking forward to read over the Christmas holidays, plus a few suggestions for your own reading pleasure. So what say you? What's your book? What are you dying to read?
In Response To Katharine
Katharine, off the top of my head I'd suggest Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. "Tom Sawyer" is a classic kids book, "Huck Finn" a classic book, period, and both are perfect for kids of that age. I'm afraid my knowledge of children's books ends just about there - when I was that age all I read about was baseball.
Hi family!
I need some good advice. As some of you know I teach English. I've been trying to find really good interesting classics for the kids to read that will get them interested in reading books. I've found that a lot of the kids just don't like books at all, so it's really hard to get them motivated in something that is kind of dry or boring. This year I've chosen some books that have gone over very well -- The Old Man and the Sea (Hemingway), To Kill a Mockingbird (Lee), and And Then There Were None (Christie).
So I'm asking you all - is there a really good book that you would recommend for grades 9-12 that would be thought provoking, good for a Christian school and for both guys and girls.
I need some good advice. As some of you know I teach English. I've been trying to find really good interesting classics for the kids to read that will get them interested in reading books. I've found that a lot of the kids just don't like books at all, so it's really hard to get them motivated in something that is kind of dry or boring. This year I've chosen some books that have gone over very well -- The Old Man and the Sea (Hemingway), To Kill a Mockingbird (Lee), and And Then There Were None (Christie).
So I'm asking you all - is there a really good book that you would recommend for grades 9-12 that would be thought provoking, good for a Christian school and for both guys and girls.
Bonjour mon famille merveilleux
I made it!!! Although, I have to say that this blog seemed to go on for a while before I was invited to join. Not very much time as passed since the beginning but a lot of information has passed and I am feeling out of the loop.
But since I have a forgiving heart I will graciously forgive you all. :)
So, a book exchange, an excellent idea Tan...I mean Mysterious Lady. I, as some of you know, work at a bookstore and enjoy a numerous amount of books. I recently finished reading a book titled "Escape" a story of a woman born into a polygamist cult (the same one that was taken over by Warren Jeffs) who escaped in her thirties with all eight of her children. It was a very interesting and heartbreaking story. She writes everything she can remember from the time she was a little child to a couple years after her escape. The book opened my eyes to a lot of things I did not know about the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or FLDS). I have learned a lot of their beliefs in the past but to read a first hand experience of an escapee was very enlightening....and very sad.
I love this blog idea David. I love reading what everyone is writing it is so interesting and funny.
On a very lighthearted note, John and I are going out tomorrow to buy our very first Christmas tree! (Now, if only my mother would mail me my ornaments she promised me weeks ago :)
But since I have a forgiving heart I will graciously forgive you all. :)
So, a book exchange, an excellent idea Tan...I mean Mysterious Lady. I, as some of you know, work at a bookstore and enjoy a numerous amount of books. I recently finished reading a book titled "Escape" a story of a woman born into a polygamist cult (the same one that was taken over by Warren Jeffs) who escaped in her thirties with all eight of her children. It was a very interesting and heartbreaking story. She writes everything she can remember from the time she was a little child to a couple years after her escape. The book opened my eyes to a lot of things I did not know about the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or FLDS). I have learned a lot of their beliefs in the past but to read a first hand experience of an escapee was very enlightening....and very sad.
I love this blog idea David. I love reading what everyone is writing it is so interesting and funny.
On a very lighthearted note, John and I are going out tomorrow to buy our very first Christmas tree! (Now, if only my mother would mail me my ornaments she promised me weeks ago :)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
I've put knitting behind me
Hello Family,
I have decided not take up knitting after all, and instead decided to take up blogging! how long does this thing need to be? I need to go to bed. So good night!
I have decided not take up knitting after all, and instead decided to take up blogging! how long does this thing need to be? I need to go to bed. So good night!
WELCOME FAMILY!
Hello to our wonderful Family and a big, big thank you to David for getting us up and talking!!
I just sent an email to everyone about the blog, a repeat for those who are already posting and enjoying one another. (I neglected to check the blog before I sent it out so my apologies!) I've included the whole family, (from Fanfi to Raymonde et al) Florideans, Tennesseans, Southern Virginians etc.
Hopefully we'll have everyone posting soon, but those of you who are on, please remember to post your likes etc. Do comments to particular posts show up? Or do you need to check each post for comments? Not sure whether it's best to just post a new post or comment on an existing one.
I've made the list and will be emailing each of you personally with the person that you have the privilege to purchase for, if you don't hear from me by Sat send me a quick email, I may have the wrong one for you.
I had such a fun time reading everyone's posting. This is definitely going to be a highlight of my week, sitting down with a cup of tea and reading about the meanderings of my family!!
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
I just sent an email to everyone about the blog, a repeat for those who are already posting and enjoying one another. (I neglected to check the blog before I sent it out so my apologies!) I've included the whole family, (from Fanfi to Raymonde et al) Florideans, Tennesseans, Southern Virginians etc.
Hopefully we'll have everyone posting soon, but those of you who are on, please remember to post your likes etc. Do comments to particular posts show up? Or do you need to check each post for comments? Not sure whether it's best to just post a new post or comment on an existing one.
I've made the list and will be emailing each of you personally with the person that you have the privilege to purchase for, if you don't hear from me by Sat send me a quick email, I may have the wrong one for you.
I had such a fun time reading everyone's posting. This is definitely going to be a highlight of my week, sitting down with a cup of tea and reading about the meanderings of my family!!
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Welcome Jonathan
Jonathan's here. Hurray. Well, it's supposed to be about books and the Christmas book exchange but we've yet to hear who's picked whom. Tantie!!!
While we're waiting we're having a little fun. So, you say you have a dog who has experience eating cats? May I borrow him?
While we're waiting we're having a little fun. So, you say you have a dog who has experience eating cats? May I borrow him?
Books or Cats?
So is this blog about exchanging books or scheming cats? I can do either one. I have plenty of books to exchange and I also own a scheming cat. My dog also is a trouble maker. Whether it's eating presents from under the tree or chasing her grandma's geese. Then you have the two causing trouble together. I am just sitting there watching tv when I hear this screaming like Kia (dog) is eating Keiko (cat). So after yelling at Kia and having her sit near me so that I can watch her I see this grey blur fly off the couch and attack Kia. Kia had no more than sprang to her feet before Keiko is screaming again. There is your scheming cat.
Minuit (not Minwee)
Minuit is my dear, sweet, loving stray cat who adopted me (not David) a little more than six months ago. He is all black; hence the name Minuit, which is French for midnight. Some of you have met my adorable cat and agree that he is every bit as sweet as I say he is. I'll post some pictures of Minuit soon so you all can see how adorable he really is! Oh, and for those who don't know, Biscuit is our other cat.
The Saga Of The Evil Minwee, Chapter One
Biscuit: So what's your angle?
Minwee: Huh?
Biscuit: Your hustle. Your scam.
Minwee: Not sure I understand bub.
Biscuit: Come on. You can't fool me. You just appear out of the blue one day, now you're like a permanent fixture around here. You're up to something.
Minwee: Nothin' too complicated. Just lookin' for the best gig I can find.
Biscuit: Well you hit the jackpot here.
Minwee: It's not so bad. Better than the last place I was at.
Biscuit: What was wrong with that?
Minwee: They made me stay in all night. Like I can't take care of myself. I need my freedom man, I need my space.
Biscuit: Wow.
Minwee: They be crampin' my style.
Biscuit: I got no style. Sigh.
Minwee: Plus they served the worst food. Cheap stuff, like twenty-five cents a can.
Biscuit: Yeah, I hate that stuff.
Minwee: Say what else you want about this place here, but the food is the bomb.
Biscuit: And the two people, they're pretty nice.
Minwee: She's not bad. Him, I've got plans for him.
Biscuit: What do you mean?
Minwee: I think I've said too much already. Not sure you can be trusted.
Biscuit: What kind of name is Minwee anyway?
Minwee: Call me that one more time and you're history. Frenchified, girlified name.
Biscuit: What should I call you?
Minwee: Street name's Spike. That's what all my homies call me.
Biscuit: You've got homies? Wow.
Minwee: Yeah, yeah, lots of them. You think I'm out there all alone every night? Then there's my ladies. You know.
Biscuit: I wish.
Minwee: Hmmm. You know, a couple of them might really go for you.
Biscuit: Ya' think?
Minwee: They go for cute.
Biscuit; Yeah, it's the one thing I got going for me. Cute I can do.
Minwee: I gotta warn you though man. These ain't no ordinary ladies. Make you ache inside. Make you lose sleep at night. They be hard to forget.
Biscuit: Not for me.
Minwee: Oh, right, "Fifty First Dates" and all that.
Biscuit: Right.
Minwee: Okay, I'll set it up. But you'll owe me.
Biscuit: What's the price?
Minwee: Remember what I said about him.
Biscuit: About who?
Minwee: The dude.
Biscuit: What dude?
Minwee: What do you mean 'what dude'? The mean dude that lives here. You see any other dudes around here?
Biscuit: Right. What did you say about him?
Minwee: Boy you're pathetic. What I said just a minute ago. You know, how I had a plan?
Biscuit: Oh yeah! Now I remember.
Minwee: I may need some help.
Biscuit: What are you going to do?
Minwee: Nothing you need to know right now. Just let me know I can count on you when the time comes....
Minwee: Huh?
Biscuit: Your hustle. Your scam.
Minwee: Not sure I understand bub.
Biscuit: Come on. You can't fool me. You just appear out of the blue one day, now you're like a permanent fixture around here. You're up to something.
Minwee: Nothin' too complicated. Just lookin' for the best gig I can find.
Biscuit: Well you hit the jackpot here.
Minwee: It's not so bad. Better than the last place I was at.
Biscuit: What was wrong with that?
Minwee: They made me stay in all night. Like I can't take care of myself. I need my freedom man, I need my space.
Biscuit: Wow.
Minwee: They be crampin' my style.
Biscuit: I got no style. Sigh.
Minwee: Plus they served the worst food. Cheap stuff, like twenty-five cents a can.
Biscuit: Yeah, I hate that stuff.
Minwee: Say what else you want about this place here, but the food is the bomb.
Biscuit: And the two people, they're pretty nice.
Minwee: She's not bad. Him, I've got plans for him.
Biscuit: What do you mean?
Minwee: I think I've said too much already. Not sure you can be trusted.
Biscuit: What kind of name is Minwee anyway?
Minwee: Call me that one more time and you're history. Frenchified, girlified name.
Biscuit: What should I call you?
Minwee: Street name's Spike. That's what all my homies call me.
Biscuit: You've got homies? Wow.
Minwee: Yeah, yeah, lots of them. You think I'm out there all alone every night? Then there's my ladies. You know.
Biscuit: I wish.
Minwee: Hmmm. You know, a couple of them might really go for you.
Biscuit: Ya' think?
Minwee: They go for cute.
Biscuit; Yeah, it's the one thing I got going for me. Cute I can do.
Minwee: I gotta warn you though man. These ain't no ordinary ladies. Make you ache inside. Make you lose sleep at night. They be hard to forget.
Biscuit: Not for me.
Minwee: Oh, right, "Fifty First Dates" and all that.
Biscuit: Right.
Minwee: Okay, I'll set it up. But you'll owe me.
Biscuit: What's the price?
Minwee: Remember what I said about him.
Biscuit: About who?
Minwee: The dude.
Biscuit: What dude?
Minwee: What do you mean 'what dude'? The mean dude that lives here. You see any other dudes around here?
Biscuit: Right. What did you say about him?
Minwee: Boy you're pathetic. What I said just a minute ago. You know, how I had a plan?
Biscuit: Oh yeah! Now I remember.
Minwee: I may need some help.
Biscuit: What are you going to do?
Minwee: Nothing you need to know right now. Just let me know I can count on you when the time comes....
Welcome Katharine The Great!
Katharine's here! Yeah. I'm sure she'll add much to the conversation.
Katharine, you can title your posts too. Neither of your posts had a title. No big deal but there is a spot for it when you get to the posting page.
When we come up for Christmas I'll give you a quick lesson on linking, adding pictures and video, etc.
As for making the blog your home page, on Internet Explorer, click on "Tools" on the toolbar, then select Internet Options. There should be a spot on that page that allows you to specify your homepage. Just put in the blog url.
Everyone else, hop on board.
Katharine, you can title your posts too. Neither of your posts had a title. No big deal but there is a spot for it when you get to the posting page.
When we come up for Christmas I'll give you a quick lesson on linking, adding pictures and video, etc.
As for making the blog your home page, on Internet Explorer, click on "Tools" on the toolbar, then select Internet Options. There should be a spot on that page that allows you to specify your homepage. Just put in the blog url.
Everyone else, hop on board.
I finally figured this whole bloggin thing out - I was much like you, Phil - totally clueless. I'm feeling much more in tune with technology right now though since I've actually posted a blog and it is actually readable. Hurray!
So now I'm waiting for everyone else to post. I want to hear/read/see what everyone is saying.
First though I want to congratulate David on his wonderful song - I could just hear the music in the background and the wailing of the trombone while he mournfully sang his heart out. I had to wipe a little tear off my cheek.
Also - how do you make this page your home page? That would be a really good idea, I think.
So now I'm waiting for everyone else to post. I want to hear/read/see what everyone is saying.
First though I want to congratulate David on his wonderful song - I could just hear the music in the background and the wailing of the trombone while he mournfully sang his heart out. I had to wipe a little tear off my cheek.
Also - how do you make this page your home page? That would be a really good idea, I think.
Happy birthday to you, Genny!
I don't quite know how to do the neat things with pictures, graphics, videos, etc. - so I'll just wish you happy birthday the old fashioned way.
(okay, not so old fashioned, I guess -after all this is not a snail mail card)
Have a wonderful day and blessings on your next year.
Katharine
I don't quite know how to do the neat things with pictures, graphics, videos, etc. - so I'll just wish you happy birthday the old fashioned way.
(okay, not so old fashioned, I guess -after all this is not a snail mail card)
Have a wonderful day and blessings on your next year.
Katharine
Genny is 20!
Happy Birthday to Genny,
Happy Birthday to Genny,
Happy Birthday, dear Genny,
Happy Birthday to you!
We love you! Have a great day!
Happy Birthday to Genny,
Happy Birthday, dear Genny,
Happy Birthday to you!
We love you! Have a great day!
The Golden Age of Children's Books....
...is now, according to Joseph Bottom over at the excellent Catholic web site First Things. Terrific article that may recall some fond memories for many of you. Money quote:
Anyhow, I thought this post would gets us a little closer to our original topic and keeps things going until the rest of us get on board. It might also give us some ideas about gifts; after all, a good children's book should give adults pleasure too.
J.K. Rowling’s success doesn’t just give us a recent series to add as an incidental to the received canon. It also gives us a chance to rewrite the entire list of classic children’s books we’re all supposed to know — for Rowling makes visible the fact that we are actually living now in a golden age of children’s literature.
Anyhow, I thought this post would gets us a little closer to our original topic and keeps things going until the rest of us get on board. It might also give us some ideas about gifts; after all, a good children's book should give adults pleasure too.
Happy Birthday Genny!!
This will make you think twice the next time you bake a cake sweetie. But we needed a cake for your birthday. Hope it's a great one:
Phillip
I see Phil's comment on top of Chaley's post below. Phil, you haven't accepted the invitation that was sent to your work email. I'm going to send you another invite yet again. It will appear in your work email. It will be from 'david' and it will have a subject line of 'You have been invited to contribute to david's blog.' Open the email and click on the link inside. It will take you to a web page that will allow you to accept the invitation using your google account. Then you can post.
No, no, nephew, I am not slyly manipulating things from behind the scenes to keep you from blogging. So hold up on the afghans. Put your knitting needles down. We want Phil. We need Phil. Phil is the man. Without Phil we are lost, without Phil all is fear and loathing, and all hope shall be abandoned. Without Phil the world will make no sense. It will be a world such as the lady in this video clip describes:
No, no, nephew, I am not slyly manipulating things from behind the scenes to keep you from blogging. So hold up on the afghans. Put your knitting needles down. We want Phil. We need Phil. Phil is the man. Without Phil we are lost, without Phil all is fear and loathing, and all hope shall be abandoned. Without Phil the world will make no sense. It will be a world such as the lady in this video clip describes:
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
I'm in!
I'm in and I want to set the record straight. I didn't leave because of Minuit (please note spelling!). And I'm not to blame for Biscuit's bad toilet habits. Someone (who shall remain anonymous, but whose name begins with a "D") forgot to clean the litter box!
I hope this can be a way for us all to keep in touch.
I hope this can be a way for us all to keep in touch.
My Baby Left Me Blues
So you probably think I've got nothing better to do with my time than run this blog. Truth is, at the moment, I don't:
My baby done gone to San Antone'
She up and left me all alone
Biscuit and me ain't got nothing left to lose
We're singin' them low down, good for nuthin', baby left us blues.
I'm an innocent man, I ain't done no wrong
But she left anyway, now I'm singing this song
I'd sing any other, if I could choose
Instead of these low down, good for nuthin', baby left me blues.
The Biscuit Boy too, he swears he's been good
He feels betrayed, bewildered, and misunderstood
So he pooped on the rug this morning (stinky stuff toos!!)
He's got those low down, good for nuthin', baby left me blues.
So we talked about it and we both agree
If it ain't us, it must be Minwee!!
He's got another gal down the street, and a problem with the booze
Left Chaley singin' them low down, good for nuthin', baby left me blues.
Now she's gone, she's gone, she'll never be back
All because of that shady dude, that cat all dressed in black
Hey everybody, have you heard the news?
We got them low down, good for nuthin', baby left us blues.
Posters!!!
Great! We've got posters. Morris and Raymonde both.
A suggestion. Don't put any personal information (last names, email addresses, etc.) within your posts or within your profiles. We all know who we are and we have each other's emails if we need it. Let's simply refer to each other by first names. While only certain people are going to be allowed to post to this blog, anyone can read it. I think it's wise to stay as anonomous as possible.
A suggestion. Don't put any personal information (last names, email addresses, etc.) within your posts or within your profiles. We all know who we are and we have each other's emails if we need it. Let's simply refer to each other by first names. While only certain people are going to be allowed to post to this blog, anyone can read it. I think it's wise to stay as anonomous as possible.
Raymonde's comment
OK - I have no idea if I'm doing this wrong or right... we'll see.
I love the idea of a book/video exchange and would be happy to put the list of who picks for whom. All I need is a final list of everyone who will be participating. Please send me an email of all your family members and extended family who would like to join the fun.
I love the idea of a book/video exchange and would be happy to put the list of who picks for whom. All I need is a final list of everyone who will be participating. Please send me an email of all your family members and extended family who would like to join the fun.
Musings from Morris
Well all... This could be a great way that all of us keep up with one another... Now the first 'assignment' as I understand it, is that we should give others ideas on what is interesting to us... I've recently read through a book by Dr. Swenson called 'More then meets the eye'
http://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Meets-Eye-Fascinating/dp/1576830691/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228835723&sr=1-9
Anyway this was a great book about just how complicated our body and our world is and it's a very simple read for a fairly complicated subject. Of course I'm still immersed in Malcolm Smith. I've been going through Leviticus (yea I know... It's a little dry but it is revealing)... I'm interested in getting the Elijah series. I also would be interested in listening or reading about prayer... About 3-4 years ago I felt that I didn't pray correctly and although I still think I've got a long way to go before I pray 'like Jesus prayed' I believe I'm moving down the right path... So if you have a book that looks at prayer a little differently this might be an option. Lastly anything that deals with Creation vs Evolution I'm finding very interesting. Hopefully I've not rambled on too much... I look forward to hearing from EVERYBODY!!!
http://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Meets-Eye-Fascinating/dp/1576830691/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228835723&sr=1-9
Anyway this was a great book about just how complicated our body and our world is and it's a very simple read for a fairly complicated subject. Of course I'm still immersed in Malcolm Smith. I've been going through Leviticus (yea I know... It's a little dry but it is revealing)... I'm interested in getting the Elijah series. I also would be interested in listening or reading about prayer... About 3-4 years ago I felt that I didn't pray correctly and although I still think I've got a long way to go before I pray 'like Jesus prayed' I believe I'm moving down the right path... So if you have a book that looks at prayer a little differently this might be an option. Lastly anything that deals with Creation vs Evolution I'm finding very interesting. Hopefully I've not rambled on too much... I look forward to hearing from EVERYBODY!!!
Response to Katharine's comment
Katharine, I saw your comment to the "Posting Video" post. You ask, "Is commenting on someone else's post the only way to write something?" No, in fact, I would not use the comments at all. I'd start a new post. If you want to comment on what someone else has posted simply refer back to the post you're commenting on within your own post. But you can't post at all until you've accepted the invitation that allows you to post, which you still haven't done. You've registered to "follow this blog" but that's not the same thing. To be able to post you must click on the link from the invitation email. It is from "david" and has a subject line of "You have been invited to contribute to david's blog." Open that email and click on the link, which will take you to a page that allows you to accept the invitation using your google account. Once you do that you can sign in to http://www.blogger.com/ and you'll see the blog and the NEW POST button, among other things. Then just blog away.
I'm going to reinvite everyone because maybe some of you thought the original email was spam and deleted it.
I'm going to reinvite everyone because maybe some of you thought the original email was spam and deleted it.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Posting Video
I notice Eugenia asked in a comment how to post video. It is really easy. First you must be able to post to this blog and to do so you need to accept the invite that I sent to your email account (which no one has done yet! this is supposed to be a group blog, right?) Accepting means you need a google account, which if you don't have one only takes a second to create. I mentioned this in the post below called "Test Posting".
Okay, now you can post to this blog. To post a YouTube video, you need a YouTube account. Again, it only takes a second to create. Go to YouTube and create one. After that you start up a blog post here. Click on the "Edit HTML" tab to get the HTML view of your post. In another browser session find the video on YouTube that you want to post to the blog. Cut and past the YouTube embed string in the spot of your post where you want the video to appear. And that's it! You can click on the "Preview" tab to make sure the video is there and where you want it inside the post. The publish your post.
Anyhow, here's the blogger instructions on posting from youtube:
http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=80767&topic=12529
Okay, now you can post to this blog. To post a YouTube video, you need a YouTube account. Again, it only takes a second to create. Go to YouTube and create one. After that you start up a blog post here. Click on the "Edit HTML" tab to get the HTML view of your post. In another browser session find the video on YouTube that you want to post to the blog. Cut and past the YouTube embed string in the spot of your post where you want the video to appear. And that's it! You can click on the "Preview" tab to make sure the video is there and where you want it inside the post. The publish your post.
Anyhow, here's the blogger instructions on posting from youtube:
http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=80767&topic=12529
The Ten Commandments of Book Giving
I saw this column, entitled "The Ten Commandments of Book Giving," by Michael Dirda in the Washington Post Book World section while having my breakfast this morning. Dirda is one of the Book World's weekly columnists and he's good (though Jonathan Yardley is the Post's best book critic.) In a recent column Dirda recommended one of the best novels I've read in a long time, The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery - it is a fine, fine book. Dirda has always seemed to me a bit of a high-brow critic and "The Ten Commandments of Book Giving" reflects that so I'm not sure his decalogue completely applies to us low-browers. Still, you might get a few pointers when thinking of a book to give.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Test posting
Test post as another user...to figure out how to get everyone else in as posters. Looks like this is the process:
1. I send an invite to your email.
2. You get the email in your inbox and click on the link inside.
3. You log in with your google account. If you don't have one, it only takes a second to create one.
1. I send an invite to your email.
2. You get the email in your inbox and click on the link inside.
3. You log in with your google account. If you don't have one, it only takes a second to create one.
What book do you want?
I just thought of something. We may have no idea what the book-reading preferences are of the person we pick in the Christmas gift exchange. For instance, if I pick Phil, or Genny, or Steven, or Andrew (or just about anyone else for that matter) I wouldn't have a clue what book to get them. So perhaps, once we get everyone posting here, we should all post something that we'd like to read. It will give the giver an idea of what you like and make it more likely you'll get something that interests you. If you have multiple books that you're interested in post them all so at least there will be some element of surprise. Or a favorite author or genre, etc. Just to give the giver some help. Make sure you post the name of the book and the author, and it even might be helpful to link to the book on Amazon.
Or maybe that's not what the mystery lady had in mind. Maybe she wanted us to pick a book that we thought might be interesting for the other person. Something we've read before that might be a good fit for them, for instance. Anyhow, I'll let everyone else decide what to do in this case - just thought I'd throw the idea out there.
Or maybe that's not what the mystery lady had in mind. Maybe she wanted us to pick a book that we thought might be interesting for the other person. Something we've read before that might be a good fit for them, for instance. Anyhow, I'll let everyone else decide what to do in this case - just thought I'd throw the idea out there.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
I know I'm already off subject, but since it's Christmas here's my wish for you...
Judy Garland introduced the song, one of my favorites, in the 1944 movie musical "Meet Me In St. Louis". I prefer Sinatra's version of it but Judy's is a pretty close second. Here she is singing it in 1963. Her voice is not what it once was but she still pulls it off:
Mark Steyn has an excellent discussion of the song's history over at his website. Find it here.
Judy Garland introduced the song, one of my favorites, in the 1944 movie musical "Meet Me In St. Louis". I prefer Sinatra's version of it but Judy's is a pretty close second. Here she is singing it in 1963. Her voice is not what it once was but she still pulls it off:
Mark Steyn has an excellent discussion of the song's history over at his website. Find it here.
Let's pick names
Someone in the family (who shall remain nameless) (though you can probably guess who she is) had the idea that we should continue with our usual picking names for the Christmas gift exchange, but with one slight modification: the gift must be a book. Also, she (this mystery woman) (whose first name begins with an "E") thought it might be a nice idea if we set up a blog so we can all discuss the book we received. So this is the blog. You shall all be invited to join and post soon (as soon as I figure out how to do that!)
Once you're invited to post, please join in as often and as in depth as possible. I would suggest that you don't limit your discussion to simply the one book you received this Christmas. Talk about other books that mean a lot to you; or books by the same author or in the same genre as the one you've received; or books you want to read; or your thoughts on the book you gave and why you picked that book for that person; or books others received this Christmas that you have thoughts on; or your thoughts on what others have posted. For that matter, don't limit your discussion to merely books. If there is a movie or a play or something else culturally related to what you're reading, if there are events in your life that the book recalls for you...well, you get the picture. In other words, let's have a free-ranging, good-natured discussion where one post leads to another which leads to another, which...
So, welcome aboard. Now, let's pick names so we can get the ball rolling. Mystery lady, will you do the honors?
Once you're invited to post, please join in as often and as in depth as possible. I would suggest that you don't limit your discussion to simply the one book you received this Christmas. Talk about other books that mean a lot to you; or books by the same author or in the same genre as the one you've received; or books you want to read; or your thoughts on the book you gave and why you picked that book for that person; or books others received this Christmas that you have thoughts on; or your thoughts on what others have posted. For that matter, don't limit your discussion to merely books. If there is a movie or a play or something else culturally related to what you're reading, if there are events in your life that the book recalls for you...well, you get the picture. In other words, let's have a free-ranging, good-natured discussion where one post leads to another which leads to another, which...
So, welcome aboard. Now, let's pick names so we can get the ball rolling. Mystery lady, will you do the honors?
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