I finished reading:

"Russka - The Novel of Russia" written by Edward Rutherford. 945 Pages.

The 53rd and final book of 2010.

The final stats for this year are: 53 books finished, 19,391 pages at an average of 366 pages per book.

Comparison to 2009: 69 books, 22,540 pages at an average of 327 pages at and 2008 which was 97 books, 32,099 pages at an average of 331 pages per book. Therefore this was fewest books and the fewest pages read over the last three years, but, the average book size was the greatest.

Onto 2011, the same goal - 52 books. i.e. An average of one a week.

Happy New Year,

-Richard

Change:

It's been a while since I've posted on here, apart from books. Why? Just a lot going on. Job changing and having to move from Raleigh to Houston. Lots of mixed emotions. Also, todays teaching at Church was about being grateful through the change and not just wait for the final destination.

Change

One thing is certain
In the world we live in:
Change!
Republicans run Congress today
Two years time, Democrats:
Change!
Super Bowl Champions
Next year first pick in the draft:
Change!
Summer to autumn
Winter to spring:
Change!
One day we wake up healthy
The next sick:
Change!
Every minute somewhere, someone
Will experience without question:
Change!
And yet so many have still
To fall to their knees to experience:
Change!
The only one that matters
And gave all to The Cross:
THE Change!!

Easy

If it were easy
And there was no doubt
How would we trust?

If it were easy
And we got everything we wanted
How would we be grateful?

If it were easy
To live in Holiness
How would there be grace?

If it were easy
To do right on our own
Where would The Cross be?

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The North Carolina Experience - An Interpretive and Documentary History" edited by Lindley S. Butler and Alan D. Watson. 451 pages. Ironic as we are entering our last few months living here in North Carolina.

Book #52 (and goal) for 2010. 18, 446 at an average of 355 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Brandenburg" written by Glen Meade. 514 Pages

Book # 51 of 2010. 17995 pages at an average of 352 per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Erewhon" written by Samuel Butler. 320 Pages.

Book number 50 of 2010. 17,441 pages at an average of 349 per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Going Places" written by Pauline Moser Longest. 246 Pages.

49th Book of 2010. 17,121 pages at an average of 349 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Angle of Repose" written by Wallace Stegner. 569 pages.

Book 48 of 2010. 16,875 pages at an average of 352 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Champion" written by Carman. 220 pages.

Book #47, 16,306 pages at an average of 347 pages per book.

-Richard

End of read-a-thon Meme.

1. Which hour was most daunting for you? Middle of the afternoon. about 2 -4 pm. I nodded off for a few minutes at that point

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? Not really. It's difficult to suggest based on different people's interested. If pushed I would say adventure / suspense.

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? No. The 6th time I've done it and will be back!!

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? See above

5. How many books did you read? I finished 3 books.

6. What were the names of the books you read? "Free Air", "Seizing the Enigma", "The Prairie" and started "The Champion"

7. Which book did you enjoy most? "Seizing the Enigma"

8. Which did you enjoy least? "The Prairie"

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? N/A

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? Definitely as a reader.

Thanks to all who organised, cheered and participated.

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 24 and end of the Fall/Autumn Read-a-Thon

Pages Read Last Hour 108
Final Total Pages Read - 857
Time Read Last Hour 57 minutes
Final Total Time Read - 9 hours 23 minutes
Books Finished - 3

I finished at page 108 of "The Champion"

This is my shortest read-a-thon in terms of pages read and time spent. As well as having the play-off soccer game I just found it harder than normal concentrate. Having said that it was still fun and I cannot wait for the next one.

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 23.

Back at it!!!

Pages Read Last Hour 21
Total Pages Read - 749
Time Read Last Hour 13 minutes
Total Time Read - 8 hours 26 minutes
Books Finished - 3

I am starting "The Champion" written by Carman (220 Pages).

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Prairie" written by James Fenimore Cooper. 386 Pages.

Book #46 of 2010. 16,086 pages at an average of 350 per book.

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 17.

Pages Read Last Hour 69
Total Pages Read - 728
Time Read Last Hour 48 minutes
Total Time Read - 8 hours 13 minutes
Books Finished - 2

I am on page 365 of The Prairie.

It's 1 am and I need to get some sleep. The plan is to be back at it by 5, or 6 at the very latest. Good Night.

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 16.

Pages Read Last Hour 64
Total Pages Read - 659
Time Read Last Hour 40 minutes
Total Time Read - 7 hours 25 minutes
Books Finished - 2

I am on page 296 of The Prairie.

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 15.

Pages Read Last Hour 54
Total Pages Read - 595
Time Read Last Hour 35 minutes
Total Time Read - 6 hours 45 minutes
Books Finished - 2

I am on page 232 of The Prairie.

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 14.

Just got back from a fantastic 4-0 win for the Carolina RailHawks in the USSF Soccer Division 1 play-offs.

Pages Read Since Last Update 72
Total Pages Read - 541
Time Read Since Last Update 46 minutes
Total Time Read - 6 hours 56 minutes
Books Finished - 2

I am on page 168 of "The Prairie"

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 9.

Pages Read Last Hour 51
Total Pages Read - 469
Time Read Last Hour 38 minutes
Total Time Read - 6 hours 10 minutes
Books Finished - 2

I am on page 96 of "The Prairie"

It's now time to go out for dinner and then a Carolina RailHawks soccer play-off game. Some reading will be done whilst we are out, but no updates probably until 10pm (Eastern).

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 8.

Pages Read Last Hour 45
Total Pages Read - 418
Time Read Last Hour 44 minutes
Total Time Read - 5 hours 32 minutes
Books Finished - 2

I am on page 45 of "The Prairie"

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 7.

Pages Read Last Hour 46
Total Pages Read - 373
Time Read Last Hour 43 minutes
Total Time Read - 4 hours 48 minutes
Books Finished - 2

New book starting: "The Prairie" written by James Fenimore Cooper (386 pages).

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Seizing the Enigma - The Race to Break the German U-Boat Codes, 1939-1943" written by David Kahn. 282 pages.

45th book of 2010. 15,700 pages at an average of 349 per book.

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 6.

Pages Read Last Hour 35
Total Pages Read - 327
Time Read Last Hour 27 minutes
Total Time Read - 4 hours 5 minutes

I am on page 236 of "Seizing the Enigma".

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 5.

Pages Read Last Hour 56
Total Pages Read - 292
Time Read Last Hour 45 minutes
Total Time Read - 3 hours 38 minutes

I am on page 201 of "Seizing the Enigma".

Lunch time!!

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 4.

Pages Read Last Hour 60
Total Pages Read - 236
Time Read Last Hour 46 minutes
Total Time Read - 2 hour 53 minutes

I am on page 145 of "Seizing the Enigma".

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 3.

Pages Read Last Hour 58
Total Pages Read - 176
Time Read Last Hour 45 minutes
Total Time Read - 2 hour 7 minutes

I am on page 85 of "Seizing the Enigma".

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 2.

Pages Read Last Hour 27
Total Pages Read - 118
Time Read Last Hour 27 minutes
Total Time Read - 1 hour 22 minutes

I am on page 27 of "Seizing the Enigma".

-Richard

End of Read-a-Thon Hour 1.

Pages Read Last Hour - 91
Total Pages Read - 91
Time Read Last Hour - 55 Mins
Total Time Read - 55 Mins
Books Finished - 1

I am starting a new book " Seizing the Enigma" written by David Kahn (282 pages).

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Free Air" written by Sinclair Lewis. 370 Pages.

Book # 44 of 2010. 15,418 pages at an average of 350 per book.

-Richard

Read-a-thon Start.

So, here we go. The normal MO for me I read books in the order that I bought them and the read-a-thon is no different. I do not look ahead on my list so whatever comes next is as much a surprise to me as anyone else.

I am starting off with the book that I am currently reading; "Free Air" written by Sinclair Lewis. I am currently on page 279 out of 370.

-Richard

Tomorrow is the 6th Dewey's 24 hour read-a-thon we will have done. So, me being me had to look at the stats:

The most time I read was 14 hours 4 minutes in October 2009
The least time I read was 9 hours 48 minutes in April 2010
Total time read 61 hours 32 minutes
Average per event 12 hours 19 minutes

The most pages read 1286 in October 2009
The fewest pages read 910 in April 2010
Total pages read 5312
Average per event 1062

I have finished 4 books every time except October 2008 when I finished 3.

Time for bed so I can be nice and fresh in the morning.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"On the Road - An Inside View of Life with an NHL Team" written by Howard Berger. 349 Pages.

Book number 43 of 2010. 15,048 pages at an average of 350 per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Floatplane Notebooks" written by Clyde Edgerton. 265 pages.

Book #42 of the year. 14,699 pages at an average of 350 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The New Bond Adventure - High Time to Kill" written by Raymond Benson. 255 Pages

41st book of 2010. 14,434 pages at an average of 352 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The New Bond Adventure - The Facts of Death" written by Raymond Benson. 260 Pages.

Book #40. 14,179 pages at an average of 354 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Main Street" written by Sinclair Lewis. 432 pages.

Book # 39 of 2010. 13,919 pages at an average of 357 pages.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Hiwassee - A Novel of the Civil War" written by Charles F. Price. 188 Pages.

Book # 38 of 2010. 13,487 pages at an average of 355 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Warrior Class" written by Dale Brown. 449 Pages.

Book #37 of 2010. 13,299 pages at an average of 359 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"October 1964" written by David Halberstam. 373 pages.

A book about baseball, but, what really struck me was the racism and prejudice that went on. It's not that long ago 1950's and 60's and the fact that such hate, prejudice, ignorance could go on is staggering. The sad thing, is, though things are better now WAY too much still goes on now. An example this week is the proposed building of a mosque in New York near the World Trade Center. The irrational out cry, hate, fear that has come out peoples mouths. So, many who claim to be Christians make me absolutely incredulous. It's time we got back to the teaching of Jesus folks!!! No wonder we are becoming more and more a laughing stock and called hypocrites.

Book #36 of 2010. 12850 pages at an average of 357 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"MAMista" written by Len Deighton. 455 pages.

"Hornet Flight" written by Ken Follett. 515 pages.

Books 34 and 35 of the year for 12,477 pages at an average of 356 pages per book.

-Richard

Playing catch up.

I finished reading:

"The Rough Road Home" twenty-two short stories written by different writers with strong links to North Carolina. 323 pages.

"The Great Train Robbery" written by Michael Crichton. 281 pages.

"Democracy in America" written by Alexis de Toqueville. 317 pages.

Books Number 31, 32 and 33 of 2010. 11507 pages at an average of 349 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Tarmac" written by Lynne Heitman. 404 pages.

Book Number 30 of 2010. 10586 pages at an average of 353 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"I Want to Buy a Vowel" written by John Welter. 231 pages.

Book # 29 of 2010. 10182 pages at and average of 351 per book.

-Richard

I Finished Reading:

"A Walk Across America" written by Peter Jenkins. 320 Pages.

28th book of 2010. 9951 pages at an average of 355 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Celts" written by Norah Chadwick. 292 pages.
"Piano Lessons - Music, Love and True Adventures" written by Noah Adams. 248 pages.

Books Number 26 and 27 off the year. 9631 pages at an average of 357 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"WLT:Radio Romance" written by Garrison Keillor. 401 Pages.

Book #25 of 2010. 9091 pages at an average of 364 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"This Hallowed Ground" written by Bruce Catton. 495 pages.

Book numbers 24 of 2010. 8690 pages at an average of 362 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Land of the Firebird - The Beauty of Old Russia" written by Suzanne Massie. 460 Pages.

23rd book of 2010. 8195 pages at an average of 356 pages per book.

-Richard

S or C = Harmony?

One of the biggest challenges, or, things I am struggling with at the moment is living the Christian walk in the business world.

The question is how to live the Spiritual life in the everyday cuts and thrust of the business world. Do the decisions I make honour God? Do I treat those that I work for, work with and work for me with honesty, integrity and a Christlike Spirit?

The obvious things, although, these can still be challenge are such things as illicit sex, perversion, drug use etc... The harder things are jealousy, anger, selfish ambitions, conflict, envy etc... the corrupt nature. (Galatians 5:19-21). There are so many things in the Corporate world that it is perceived you need to do to survive and have a career. Decisions that impact others lives all for the Almighty Dollar. Some one said to me last week that I must have stabbed people in the back to do well in my career thus far. It made me think did I? Perhaps, I can't remember, but, i really, really hope not. This led to the question if this is the life I want or need with such a perception, such an expectation. Is it possible? There are things that one is expected to do everyday that really pushes the boundary of what is the Spiritual nature if what slips into the Corrupt nature. I have to ask the question everyday if this is what I should be doing. On the flip side. We are called to work hard. Work hard and honour God in everything we do. It isn't easy. Was never meant to be easy. Mistakes will happen, wrong decisions will be made but the Spirit has to be there. Therefore, I believe wherever I am I is the right place I need to be now and I pray everyday that I can be successful in my career doing it the right way, the Spiritual way. Wherever that will lead me that is my hope, desire and prayer.

This leads me to the second part of this. Living the Spiritual way leading to Harmony in everything we do, be it social, Church or work. Where is the point were right IS right and wrong IS wrong? A difference in issues within a Church such as is eating meat right or wrong is where differences can be embraced. Differences that are completely different to The Bible's teaching or the Spiritual Nature taught in Galatians is where there is wrong and right and where we should stand up for it. Christians need to find harmony amongst ourselves be, but, we also need to show the World the true nature of Christ and stand up against what is wrong. The must be done in the way Christ would have done. Not with anger, such as blowing up abortion clinics, but, with love, gentleness and compassion. Responding the wrong way is as much a victory for wrong as is the issue that originally is wrong. Both are victories of the corrupt nature. Responding the right way is what will make a true difference in the World. This is what will help create harmony. This is not weak. It is strong.

Christ heart is for equality, fairness, love, the poor, the weak etc... This is the harmony we should be seeking.

In conclusion. However difficult this is, however many times I fail, I am doing a job I generally enjoy to the best of my ability and to show Christ everyday step of the way. This way I will be successful, even if it is not how "the world" would perceive it to be a success.

I am going to try and make this a theme in some of my posts on here. Failure and successes, challenges and victories. A kind of study of trying to live the life talked by Paul in Galatians in 2010 and beyond.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Black Tulip" written by Alexandre Dumas. 234 pages.

22nd Book of 2010. 7735 pages at an average of 352 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The British Political Process - Concentrated Power versus Accountability" written by Jorgen S. Rasmussen. 250 Pages.

Ironic that this was the next book on my list considering what had just happened with the election in The UK!! This book was ok, but, the guy who wrote it was too biased and definitely was off track on something.

This is book #21 of 2o1o. 7501 pages at an average of 357 per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights from the Winchester Manuscripts of Thomas Malory and Other Sources" written by John Steinbeck. 451 Pages.

Book # 20 of 2010. 7251 Pages at an average of 363 per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The American Heritage Book of The Revolution" written by Bruce Lancaster and J.H. Plumb. 367 Pages.

19th Book of 2010. 6800 pages at an average of 358 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Travels with My Aunt" written by Graham Greene. 308 pages.

"Einstein's Universe - The Layperson's Guide" written by Nigel Calder. 245 Pages.

Books # 17 and 18 of 2010. 6433 pages at an average of 357 pages.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Sunbird" written by Wilbur Smith. 615 pages.

Book #16 of 2010. 5880 pages at an average of 368 pages.

-Richard

End of read-a-thon Meme.

1. Which hour was most daunting for you? Probably between midnight and 1am (hour 17)

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? Not really. It's difficult to suggest based on different people's interested. If pushed I would say adventure / suspense.

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? This is the 5th time I've done it and I think the format is great. One thing I would request is as much earlier announcement of the date to allow it to schedule avoiding conflicts. I would say as soon as possible after the completion on an event.

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? See above

5. How many books did you read? I finished 4 books.

6. What were the names of the books you read? "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions", "Wild Pitch", "Strawinsky", "Bleachers" and started "The Sunbird".

7. Which book did you enjoy most? "Bleachers"

8. Which did you enjoy least? "Wild Pitch"

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? N/A

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? Definitely as a reader.

Thanks to all who organised, cheered and participated.

-Richard

Read-a-Thon. End of Hour 24 and the End of the Read-a-Thon

Pages Read Last Hour - 74
Total Pages Read - 910
Time Read Last Hours - 45 Mins
Total Time Read - 9 Hours 48 Mins
Books Finished - 4

The new book I started is "The Sunbird" written by Wilbur Smith (612 Pages). I am up to page 49.

So, my read-a-thon number 5 is finished. The shortest I have done, because as mentioned before we had a prior engagement. Before I started I had set a goal of reading for 10 hours and 900 pages. As you can see from the numbers above I reached the pages goal (910), but, fell just 12 minutes shy of the total time spent reading. I'l already looking forward to the next one in October.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Bleachers" written by John Grisham. 163 pages.

Book#15 of 2010. 5265 pages at an average of 351 per book.

-Richard

Read-a-Thon. End of Hour 23

Good Morning. Back it at (just)

Pages Read Last Hour - 12
Total Pages Read - 836
Time Read Last Hours - 8 Mins
Total Time Read - 9 Hours 3 Mins
Books Finished - 3

Up to page 139 of Bleachers.

-Richard

Read-a-Thon. End of Hour 17

Pages Read Last Hour - 84
Total Pages Read - 824
Time Read Last Hours - 52 Mins
Total Time Read - 8 Hours 55 Mins
Books Finished - 3

Up to page 127 of Bleachers.

That's it for the night. I am hoping to get up and do another hour and a half or so in the morning. So, until then - Goodnight.

-Richard

Read-a-Thon. End of Hour 16

Pages Read Last Hour - 43
Total Pages Read - 740
Time Read Last Hours - 34 Mins
Total Time Read - 8 Hours 3 Mins
Books Finished - 3

Up to page 43 of Bleachers.

I'm very tired, but, am I going to try for one for hour before getting some sleep.

-Richard

Read-a-Thon. End of Hours 14 and 15

Pages Read Last Hours - 121
Total Pages Read - 697
Time Read Last Hours - 54 Mins
Total Time Read - 7 Hours 29 Mins
Books Finished - 3

Next Book up Bleachers written by John Grisham. 163 pages.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Stawinsky" a collection of Essays edited by Merle Armitage. 147 Pages.

My favourite composer of my favourite piece of Music, The Right of Spring, Igor Stravinsky.

14th Book of 2010. 5102 pages at an average of 364 per book.

-Richard

Read-a-Thon. End of Hour 9

Pages Read Last Hour - 73
Total Pages Read - 576
Time Read Last Hour - 36 Mins
Total Time Read - 6 Hours 35 Mins
Books Finished - 2

I started reading "Strawinsky" edited by Merle Armitage. 147 Pages. I am up to page 26.

It is now time to go to the birthday party / soccer game so I will be back reading about 9pm EDT.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Wild Pitch" written by Mike Lupica. 352 pages.

Book #13 of 2010. 4955 pages at an average of 381 pages per book.

-Richard

Read-a-Thon. End of Hour 8

Pages Read Last Hour - 79
Total Pages Read - 503
Time Read Last Hour - 49 Mins
Total Time Read - 5 Hours 59 Mins
Books Finished - 1

I am up to page 305 in "Wild Pitches".

-Richard

Read-a-Thon. End of Hour 7

Pages Read Last Hour - 75
Total Pages Read - 424
Time Read Last Hour - 50 Mins
Total Time Read - 5 Hours 10 Mins
Books Finished - 1

I am up to page 226 in "Wild Pitches".

-Richard

Read-a-Thon. End of Hour 6

Pages Read Last Hour - 52
Total Pages Read - 349
Time Read Last Hour - 37 Mins
Total Time Read - 4 Hours 20 Mins
Books Finished - 1

I am up to page 151 in "Wild Pitches".

-Richard

Read-a-Thon. End of Hour 5

Pages Read Last Hour - 64
Total Pages Read - 297
Time Read Last Hour - 45 Mins
Total Time Read - 3 Hour 43 Mins
Books Finished - 1

I am up to page 99 in "Wild Pitches".

-Richard

Read-a-Thon. End of Hour 4

Pages Read Last Hour - 44
Total Pages Read - 233
Time Read Last Hour - 34 Mins
Total Time Read - 2 Hour 58 Mins
Books Finished - 1

My new book is "Wild Pitch" written by Mike Lupica (352 pages). I am up to page 35.

-Richard

I finished reading:

"The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" written by Thomas S. Kuhn. 210 Pages.

An interesting book combining one of my hobbies, history with my vocation, science.

12th book read in 2010 for 4603 pages at an average of 384 pages per book.

-Richard

Read-a-Thon. End of Hour 3

Pages Read Last Hour - 47
Total Pages Read - 189
Time Read Last Hour - 35 Mins
Total Time Read - 2 Hour 24 Mins
Books Finished - 0

I am up to page 201 of "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions".

-Richard

Read-a-Thon. End of Hour 2

Pages Read Last Hour - 80
Total Pages Read - 142
Time Read Last Hour - 49 Mins
Total Time Read - 1 Hour 49 Mins
Books Finished - 0

I am up to page 154 of "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions".

-Richard

Read-a-Thon. End of Hour 1

Pages Read Last Hour - 62
Total Pages Read - 62
Time Read Last Hour - 60 Mins
Total Time Read - 1 Hour
Books Finished - 0

I am up to page 74 of "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions".

-Richard

15 minutes to the read-a-thon starting. I've had a cuppa tea and am ready to go.

The usual MO will take place for me where I read books in the order I got them. I do not know what is next as I do not look ahead. It could be heavy, light, long or short I will not know until I look at "the list" when one is finished.

This time my goal is to read about 900 pages as I will be losing four hours this evening to go to a Soccer game. In my previous 4 I have read about 1100-1200 pages so this seems a sensible goal. However, a lot depends on the books that I am reading.

I will post updates at the end of every hour and post when a book is actually finished.

I am starting with the book I am currently reading, which is "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" written by Thomas Kuhn. Currently I am on page 12 (out of 210).

For fellow "read-a-thoners" have fun and enjoy the reading!!

-Richard

I finished reading:

"Blue Grit - True Democrats Take Politics from the Politicians" written by Laura Flanders. 210 Pages.

Without going into politics. My views are well known. I did not enjoy this book or this author. In my opinion she is off the mark in many, many ways.

11th Book of 2010. 4393 pages at an average of 399 pages per book.

-Richard

Next Saturday Jenn and I will be partaking in our 5th 24 hour Read-a-Thon. An event we always look forward to. This time we will have to devote slightly less time as Saturday is also the Carolina RailHawks Season opener and we are going to be a part of a birthday group. I still anticipate reading for over 12 hours and about 900 pages.


-Richard

I finished reading:

"100 Great Operas and Their Stories" written by Henry W. Simon. 548 pages.

The 10th Book of 2010. 4183 pages at an average of 418 pages per book.

-Richard

I finished reading:
"Los Alamos" written by Joseph Kanon. 517 Pages.

Book # 9 of 2010 and 3635 pages at an average of 404 pages per book.

-Richard

So, what do I think of the infamous health care bill passed by Congress this week?

I guess, most people who know me would think that I would be ecstatic. I am pleased that it is a step in the right direction, but, not particularly happy because the bill, although it is progress it is still watered down too much and once again the individual personal politics, biases, irrational fears and kick-backs of the members of congress produced a weak bill. In the end of the day those making too much money out of the sick still get to do so. In my opinion this is almost like an insurance watchdog law, similar to car Insurance rather than a wholesale change. By this, I mean the government controls rate increases, the refusal of treatment and discrimination for pre-existing conditions. Yes, it will mean more people will be able to afford health care, but, it still has way too much power in the hands of the insurance companies and not the doctors.

What, I don't get is the complete hysterical reaction by the right. In a way they've won. This is not a "socialised" health care. It is no where near. In fact for those people who already have healthcare they "should" see a premium decrease because the extra premiums to cover those who go to emergency rooms with coverage etc.. etc.. should now not happen.

What is interesting is that some States are challenging the ruling saying it should be a States role to for Health Care and not the Federal Government. I agree with this to a certain degree . I think the ideal would be the Federal Government mandating the States to provide an affordable and guaranteed health care to all their citizens, allowing the States to chose how this is done. The Federal Government should only step in as a mediator, or "enforce" where the State fails to take care of it's citizens.

A long, long way to go and as I posted previously let's get away from this selfish party politics and personal gains and for once do what is right for all the Citizens of this Country.

-Richard

What's right and what's wrong?

I didn't go to Church today because I have picked up some virus and did not feel so good. So, I spent some time thinking. A dangerous thing I know. I guess my thoughts started by focusing on health care as it's so predominant in the news circles in the US at the moment, but, then I went beyond to a concept that we as a society seems to have lost. Plainly and simply what is right and what is wrong. We spend to much time focusing on how something fits within a Political Position, an economic position, a religious position or a nationalistic position without looking outside to what is the right thing to do. Perhaps if our leaders in Congress, Washington, the Duma etc.. could get away from lobbyists, special interests, irrational fears and simply do what is best for the vast majority of their people, not the minority the World we live in will be such a better place. I am idealistic. Absolutely!! I am thinking Utopian. Absolutely!! Am I being unrealistic. Unfortunately yes!! This Country I now call him was founded on ideals such as these, but, it did not take long for them to get lost. Some examples of what I am talking about starting with my pet peeve:

• Health Care. It is right that everyone can get health care and not worry about it. It is wrong that so many people can't most through no fault of their own. It is wrong that Government or the Private section make this impossible.
  
• It is wrong that some unborn babies do not get a chance
• It is wrong that in the 21st Century so many people cannot have somewhere to live or nothing to eat whereas as others have so much they do not know what to do with.
• It is wrong that a CEO can earn millions whilst spitting out the minimum wage worker who earns that for them and does not care that they lose everything they have.
• It is wrong that Trillions of Dollars are spent on Military's around that World and that the vast majority of people have nothing.
• It is plain wrong that billions or people around the world are scared for their safety, are scared for their future are scared what the next day will bring whilst a small, small percentage live in mansions taking everyone else for what they have.
  

I could go on and on and fill pages and pages. What would it take to get leaders who will do the right thing irrespective of personal gain? Have leaders who look at the big picture of everyone, not just a small circle that affects them? What would it take for the Political spectrum to look at every issue and say "we are the Government of the People let's do what's right and right for ALL the people"?

About two thousand years ago a guy called Jesus walked the face of the Earth. A series at Church is talking about what if 86'd or took Jesus out of the equation where would Christianity be, or what would it be? The answer is nothing. Now, taking this a step further. Jesus was a historical figure, his teaching recorded in many forms, not just The Christian Gospels. If you believe in God, Jesus is the Son of God or neither, but, just acknowledge that he was a good historical teacher look at his teachings. "Give to the poor", "heal the sick", "live in Peace", "love your enemy as your self", "take care of the little children". This is no different to what two thousand odd years later I have just said. Two thousand years of staggering scientific progress and knowledge. Tremendous technological developments, but, where are we really? In exactly the same position that Jesus talked about as he traveled along the Sea of Galilee.

-Richard

I finished reading:

Eisenhower - Allied Supreme Commander" written by Carlo D'Este. 705 Pages.

Book #8 of the year. 3118 pages at an average of 390 pages per book.

-Richard

Another year older. Where did the last year go?

A birthday for me also seems to be a time of retrospection. Where am I? Where am I going? This year not so much. There is way too much uncertainty for that at the moment.

What was hammered home to me was how lucky I am. A fantastic wife and great friends who love and care for me. In the end what else matters?

-Richard

I finished reading:

"On Both Sides of the Wall" written by Vladka Mead. 270 pages.

The second of two book in a row that I have read that shows how evil man can be in how they treat each other. Something I will never, and I am very thankful about that, understand.

Book #7 of 2010. 2,413 pages at an average of 345 pages per book.

-Richard