Anything by the History Channel is probably at least a little interesting, and I enjoyed the LOST worlds DVDs very much. The biblical sites were my favorite, and offered images and useful information about places in Turkey, Israel, and Rome. If you're looking for something to do while relaxing, pick these up.

Book Recommendation

I just finished Michael Chabon's "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" today, and really enjoyed it. The story follows Sammy Klayman and Josef Kavalier, two cousins who end up in New York City writing comic books during the 2nd World War. Both are Jewish, and the book chronicles the struggles that they both face during that turbulent time in America. There is a heavy theme of Escapism throughout the book, which is paralleled in their successful comic book hero, The Escapist.

A truly great book.

A number of people recommended that I read this book, and I am glad for it, because I very much enjoyed the story. The writing is excellent, the story well-crafted, and the characters extremely well-rounded and true. The story pulls you in and allows you to understand the people you are reading about and feel connected to them, all while turning the 9/11 tragedy into an incredibly close, personal event. It allowed me, someone who experienced 9/11 from more of a distance than many, to understand the event much more fully.

I am looking forward to reading more by Jonathan Safran Foer.

I am so happy after hearing the results of the election last night. I think America made the right choice, and I appreciated Barack's speech very much. He seems serious about his task, and gracious about being offered such a weighty position by the American public. I can't wait to see what the future holds.

Kentucky afternoons.

A lazy afternoon on the Kentucky River. This picture was taken from Eric's and my official "spot," which we only paddled 25 minutes to get to. We then enjoyed a whole day of reading, cooking, and exploring. Great day.



Eric enjoying the morning his favorite way...fishing.

Words to inspire, motivate, or start a discussion.

I came across this passage in Isaiah (58) yesterday:

Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for a man to humble himself?
Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed
and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the LORD ?

6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?

7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

It made me think of the passage that Jesus alludes to many times, Hosea 6:6:

"I desire mercy, not sacrifice".

Being a disciple of our great Rabbi doesn't include judging the world or sacrificing things in our lives to become closer to God. Being a disciple means SERVING, bringing justice to our world, showing mercy to others, and loving people to the best of our abilities. These days, it seems like the church is more focused on proving that we aren't stupid or naive than actually doing what we are called to do, bringing God's light to the world. That is the only thing that will ever make any kind of difference. We, all of us, are the same, we are all in this together, and no one is more worthy or more right when they stand before God. Let us not forget that. Let us not forget what the life of Jesus looked like when he was among us. A rabbi who walked with the people, healing with kindness, truth, and love. No stipulations.

Book recommendation.

This book made me proud of the fact that a lot of times I find myself wanting to crawl away from society, shut myself in, cozy up in a big chair, and read my life away. It is funny, smart, historical, patriotic (partly), and wise.

Highly recommended. 4.5/5

Entertainment...

Thank goodness for John Stewart and the Daily Show. In the midst of the media's never-ending discussions, observations, and "facts" about the upcoming election and its candidates, it feels like the Daily Show is one of the only places that tells it like it is. I only wish I had known about it during the Bush administration...Ah, Breathe in the refreshment.

The Debates...

Saturday Night Live sarcastically said it best when they remarked that due to low expectations, if Sarah Palin made it through the debates without fainting, crying, or vomiting, then the night should be considered a victory for her and a tie between her and Biden. Sadly, it seems that a number of Americans truly believed that, which I have a hard time understanding. Clearly, Sarah Palin is in no way qualified to be Vice President of the United States, much less President. It seems that McCain chose her more for the votes it would bring in than the good it would do for his four years (let's hope not) in office. That decision only helps to solidify in my mind (among other things) that he should not be President, that Obama is the better man for the job. McCain seems to have an "America verses the World" attitude, and is focused on this idea that America has to be the most powerful, the best, and the so-called victors of the world. I have a hard time with that. I like that Obama has a broader view, and sees America as a part of the community of the world. I like that he is world-minded and isn't hyper-focused on Iraq, and I like that he seems to have a desire to restore America to her former image of hope and possibility for the people of the world without being arrogant about our place in it. I also think he is in tune with the issues that people care about, and that will actually effect us in the near future.
It will be interesting to hear the debate tonight, and see if the candidates stick to the topics at hand or start attacking each other, rather than the issues. Hopefully, we will see more of the first.
Also, can't wait to see SNL's take on everything. They are always good for a little sarcastic illumination*.

First Thoughts...

This is my official commentary on the things of life, be it books, political issues, or things that make me laugh, and it will contain all those things that pass through my little sphere of existence and make me take notice.