"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
Saturday, October 09, 2010
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
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
Friday, October 08, 2010
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
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
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
"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
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
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:
"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
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Monday, July 05, 2010
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
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
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
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
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
"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
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
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
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 - 74Total 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
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
Saturday, April 10, 2010
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
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
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
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
Friday, April 09, 2010
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
"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
Friday, April 02, 2010
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
-Richard
Saturday, March 27, 2010
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
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
Sunday, March 14, 2010
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:
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 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.
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
Saturday, March 13, 2010
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
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
Saturday, February 20, 2010
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
"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
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
I was listening to ESPN Radio today when something the host was talking about really ticked me off. He was talking about the Winter Olympics. His comments where he was not really interested because due to the nature of the sports it could not be true "World Championship" as so many countries were unable to take part because of their climates. This is coming from a host who last week was on about the Superbowl champions being "True World Champions". All who know me know that I love the NFL, but, to say they champions are World Champions is, although technically correct as no one in the world could beat them, is absolutely ridiculous as the US is the only Country to play the sport.
True World Champions can be found in many sports: Football, Basketball, Rugby Union etc.., but, for an this particular host to use the argument he did was one of the most ignorant things I've heard in a long time.
-Richard
True World Champions can be found in many sports: Football, Basketball, Rugby Union etc.., but, for an this particular host to use the argument he did was one of the most ignorant things I've heard in a long time.
-Richard
Friday, February 05, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Trying to get back to the cats we fostered. I am a long way behind so am really going to try hard to catch up.
The next two up were Mistletoe (Black and white, left) and Tinsel. They came into us on November 20th 2006 and weren't with us long. Tinsel got adopted on December 3rd and Mistletoe following shortly afterward on December 13th.
-Richard
The next two up were Mistletoe (Black and white, left) and Tinsel. They came into us on November 20th 2006 and weren't with us long. Tinsel got adopted on December 3rd and Mistletoe following shortly afterward on December 13th.
-Richard
It snowed yesterday in North Carolina. An unusual event. Nilla loves the snow and had a great time running around and playing in it. This made me think about how we view things. We are generally complicating things and making life difficult. Yes, life can be hard, but, surely we can also learn lessons from Nilla or children in that it is also what we make it?
Through Nilla's Eyes.
It snowed
Cold and fluffy.
I thought "what a pain
Can't work
Can't get out
Can't work
Stuck
What will I do?"
With a wag of a tail
Despite no longer a puppy
Nilla thought "wow
"How cool in this?"
And ran around and around
A white blaze lost
In the white carpet
That is now the back yard.
So much fun!
It's a complicated world
We live in
But, sometimes why can't we
View the world
In the eyes of a puppy,
Or, a child
And just....
Have some fun?
It snowed
Cold and fluffy.
I thought "what a pain
Can't work
Can't get out
Can't work
Stuck
What will I do?"
With a wag of a tail
Despite no longer a puppy
Nilla thought "wow
"How cool in this?"
And ran around and around
A white blaze lost
In the white carpet
That is now the back yard.
So much fun!
It's a complicated world
We live in
But, sometimes why can't we
View the world
In the eyes of a puppy,
Or, a child
And just....
Have some fun?
"And he said. "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven". Matthew 18:3
-Richard
-Richard
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
We have had another week of nothing but bad news on the TV with the horrific Earthquake in Haiti. Also, work was really rough this week. Sometimes, despite my faith, it all seems so much. However, every time I feel like this something happens that restores my faith in people and humanity.
Today, I volunteered at the Children's Church. There was a new little girl who was very frightened and scared. During the play time at the end another little boy sat down with her and her Mom and showed them how to play UNO and played with them putting her at ease. A small, spontaneous gesture showing maturity and compassion well beyond his years. Inspired me and made me think that how welcoming am I as a forty year old and would I have done that. Probably not. How we can learn as adults from the "little children". This is the reason why Jesus said we should have a "childlike faith".
-Richard
Today, I volunteered at the Children's Church. There was a new little girl who was very frightened and scared. During the play time at the end another little boy sat down with her and her Mom and showed them how to play UNO and played with them putting her at ease. A small, spontaneous gesture showing maturity and compassion well beyond his years. Inspired me and made me think that how welcoming am I as a forty year old and would I have done that. Probably not. How we can learn as adults from the "little children". This is the reason why Jesus said we should have a "childlike faith".
-Richard
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Open or Closed? That is the question to start the year off. A good teaching at Church today.
So, for 2010 the question is an I going to be open to God's voice and leading this year and even more for the new decade, or, will I go my own way and be closed to God's voice? I prayer is the former and as one of my favourite worship songs proclaim "Open the eyes of my heart Lord!"
-Richard
So, for 2010 the question is an I going to be open to God's voice and leading this year and even more for the new decade, or, will I go my own way and be closed to God's voice? I prayer is the former and as one of my favourite worship songs proclaim "Open the eyes of my heart Lord!"
-Richard
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Friday, January 01, 2010
A New Year and a New Decade (sort off!!).... I am copying the Christmas letter that I send out this year from Jenn and I as it kinda sums up last year. For the future year I have one real goal. That is to really trust God more. There are some uncertainties in the short term future. One other thing I want to do is blog more (apart from books) and finally catch up on all the cats that we have fostered over the years.
It’s Christmas Morning 2009 and as I sit here reflecting on the miracle of Christmas and the year that has past it is time to right our quick review of the year for our friends spread around the World. I can’t believe that it’s been a year since I’ve done this!!
A year of milestones with me turning 40 (that has to be wrong??) and Jenn 35. We also celebrated 12 years of marriage. Our family gained Olivia a crazy cat, that for some reason adopted me. A long story, but, her life had a bad start with a lot of abuse, but, she is now settled and happy.
Our working life has not changed:
I am doing the same job. However, it’s been a tough year. The recession added a lot of extra pressures and stresses and the year started off badly with a RIF (Reduction in Force / Lay Off’s) where I had to lose two of my employees which was very tough. We also has the news that we are getting acquired by a different company which added a lot different equation to the situation. Currently the move is scheduled for Feb 1st so it’s a matter of waiting to see what happens. I did less travel with the job, but, managed to get to three States I had not been to: Missouri, Kansas and Connecticut which means I been to 39 now out of my quest to go to all 50. I believe I have nearly caught Jenn up!!
We are still actively involved in Snowflake animal rescue which keeps Jenn out of trouble. She has many roles including Kitten intake coordinator, Application screener, Census keeper etc.. etc.. and certainly keeps her out of trouble!! I have now the “dubious” honour of being Secretary on the Board of Directors. As in anything this year the economy has taken it’s toll with adoptions and therefore intake down. We did have some staggering good news in November when we were “gifted” about $500,000 from someone’s will. It came at a time were completely out of funds and could not pay our bills. We have no idea who this gentleman was, but, we are all very grateful at this miracle which will allow us to continue our mission for years to come. We did have a couple of sad events as two of our long term foster cats Katrina and Nimbus died this year. Although they were foster cats they had been with us a for several years so they were really part of our family.
We are still helping teach computers at the local Rescue Mission. A very rewarding and humbling experience we do a few times a year.
We started the year deciding to look for a new Church. The old one got a new Pastor that we did not like, nor, agree with. After going to several (you would not believe how many Churches are in Raleigh, North Carolina!!) we found one called Connections Church, a small, but, growing contemporary non- denominational church. Jenn always felt that this was were we were supposed to be, but, I was not sure. However, now we are both convinced this is the Church we are supposed to be at. One reason we really like it is that teaching is focused on “trying” to live your faith 24/7, putting it in action and not just on Sundays!! Starting in the New Year we are both going to start helping out a little in the children’s church.
We also did fun stuff!! Jenn is still scrapbooking and went on a scrapbooking weekend in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I went along for the ride and at restful weekend reading. We also went to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for the first time which is a pretty cool place. We went to some good concerts: The Eagles who were amazing. Last time we saw them was at the old Wembley Stadium years ago. I also went to see U2 and Must in Raleigh another great experience. We had the ultimate “red-neck” experience by going to see George Strait. Talking about red-neck I went to my first NASCAR race and thoroughly enjoyed it. As if I had another sport to be hooked on I am now for some reason addicted to cars driving around in a circle. I also went to my first NHL ice hockey game and College (American) Football game. Despite the years I’ve now lived here I still find amazing that college sports are so big. The game I went to: East Carolina University Pirates vs University of Alabama Birmingham had about 45,000 fans there and this one of the smaller teams. I did have one of the most unusual experience ever at a sporting event. Sitting next to some old guys shouting ‘First Down Pirates…Aaaarrrrgggghhh” in an attempted Cornish accent every time ECU got a first down.
We had a couple of visits from home which was great. Pauline and her family were in the US and we managed to meet up for the day in Ashville and Gavin and his family spent a good few days in Raleigh. We also spent two weeks in Texas visiting Jenn’s family and friends. This trip also gave me another “first”. I went to my first ever American High School Graduation Ceremony and yup, it is just like the movies.
I think that’s the quick summary so we and our family would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and Blessed and Prosperous 2010.
Lots of Love,
Richard and Jenn
-Richard
Richard and Jenn’s 2009
It’s Christmas Morning 2009 and as I sit here reflecting on the miracle of Christmas and the year that has past it is time to right our quick review of the year for our friends spread around the World. I can’t believe that it’s been a year since I’ve done this!!
A year of milestones with me turning 40 (that has to be wrong??) and Jenn 35. We also celebrated 12 years of marriage. Our family gained Olivia a crazy cat, that for some reason adopted me. A long story, but, her life had a bad start with a lot of abuse, but, she is now settled and happy.
Our working life has not changed:
I am doing the same job. However, it’s been a tough year. The recession added a lot of extra pressures and stresses and the year started off badly with a RIF (Reduction in Force / Lay Off’s) where I had to lose two of my employees which was very tough. We also has the news that we are getting acquired by a different company which added a lot different equation to the situation. Currently the move is scheduled for Feb 1st so it’s a matter of waiting to see what happens. I did less travel with the job, but, managed to get to three States I had not been to: Missouri, Kansas and Connecticut which means I been to 39 now out of my quest to go to all 50. I believe I have nearly caught Jenn up!!
We are still actively involved in Snowflake animal rescue which keeps Jenn out of trouble. She has many roles including Kitten intake coordinator, Application screener, Census keeper etc.. etc.. and certainly keeps her out of trouble!! I have now the “dubious” honour of being Secretary on the Board of Directors. As in anything this year the economy has taken it’s toll with adoptions and therefore intake down. We did have some staggering good news in November when we were “gifted” about $500,000 from someone’s will. It came at a time were completely out of funds and could not pay our bills. We have no idea who this gentleman was, but, we are all very grateful at this miracle which will allow us to continue our mission for years to come. We did have a couple of sad events as two of our long term foster cats Katrina and Nimbus died this year. Although they were foster cats they had been with us a for several years so they were really part of our family.
We are still helping teach computers at the local Rescue Mission. A very rewarding and humbling experience we do a few times a year.
We started the year deciding to look for a new Church. The old one got a new Pastor that we did not like, nor, agree with. After going to several (you would not believe how many Churches are in Raleigh, North Carolina!!) we found one called Connections Church, a small, but, growing contemporary non- denominational church. Jenn always felt that this was were we were supposed to be, but, I was not sure. However, now we are both convinced this is the Church we are supposed to be at. One reason we really like it is that teaching is focused on “trying” to live your faith 24/7, putting it in action and not just on Sundays!! Starting in the New Year we are both going to start helping out a little in the children’s church.
We also did fun stuff!! Jenn is still scrapbooking and went on a scrapbooking weekend in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I went along for the ride and at restful weekend reading. We also went to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for the first time which is a pretty cool place. We went to some good concerts: The Eagles who were amazing. Last time we saw them was at the old Wembley Stadium years ago. I also went to see U2 and Must in Raleigh another great experience. We had the ultimate “red-neck” experience by going to see George Strait. Talking about red-neck I went to my first NASCAR race and thoroughly enjoyed it. As if I had another sport to be hooked on I am now for some reason addicted to cars driving around in a circle. I also went to my first NHL ice hockey game and College (American) Football game. Despite the years I’ve now lived here I still find amazing that college sports are so big. The game I went to: East Carolina University Pirates vs University of Alabama Birmingham had about 45,000 fans there and this one of the smaller teams. I did have one of the most unusual experience ever at a sporting event. Sitting next to some old guys shouting ‘First Down Pirates…Aaaarrrrgggghhh” in an attempted Cornish accent every time ECU got a first down.
We had a couple of visits from home which was great. Pauline and her family were in the US and we managed to meet up for the day in Ashville and Gavin and his family spent a good few days in Raleigh. We also spent two weeks in Texas visiting Jenn’s family and friends. This trip also gave me another “first”. I went to my first ever American High School Graduation Ceremony and yup, it is just like the movies.
I think that’s the quick summary so we and our family would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and Blessed and Prosperous 2010.
Lots of Love,
Richard and Jenn
-Richard
Saturday, December 26, 2009
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