More BOOKS!

It's been a while since I spoke of the books in my life. I have been on an excellent streak of books so here are a few of them.

1) First off, from the spawn of Stephen King, Joe Hill. His second novel, and far superior to his first outing, Horns. I was somewhat hesitant to start this one after the major disappointment of his first book, Heart Shaped Box. My expectations where high, he is Stephen Kings son after all, but the book just didn't take off, it had the speed, just not the wings.

Horns on the other hand feels like the work of a pro, with characters I cared about, and little details that just suckered me in. I don't like going into plot descriptions so I won't. The writing is what I care about, and this is one well written book.

2) The boy in the stripped pyjamas. I know this is a movie as well, I have yet to see it. The book is above par for a children's novel. It touches on very important moral and ethical issues and though sometimes in a ham handed way, I occasionally had to remind myself this was a book for 12ish year olds. I look forward to reading this one with the kids and talking with them about it.

3) Tevyeh the dairyman. The basis for the play and movie Fiddler on the Roof, this book is amazing. The style is funny and very Jewish (many praises to God, lots of sarcasm) and incredibly easy to read. If I had one word to describe this it would be refreshing. Why? Go read, you will see.

4) The Case for God. I am halfway through this and so far I am very impressed. It is a history of the human relationship with the idea of gods from the earliest of recorded human history. It can occasionally get a little dry, but if you are interested in ethics, philosophy, theology, god psychology, spirituality, religion etc etc. then this book is for you!

Till next time.

So many swirly little ideas

Why? Oh brain, must you constantly torment me with so many thoughts. Constantly corrupting my silence with new insights, and random thought fodder. Granted often these thoughts disappear into the ether, never to be heard or thought again. Were do all these thoughts go? What are they made of?

Perhaps God feeds off these unused thoughts, ever hungry for more. The better the forgotten idea, the more He is satiated by it. Maybe not.

Don't think you're mad at me because you don't agree with me, it's probably because you are too dumb to have a good argument.

Here is a little rant for you. Lately I have noticed (especially on facebook) whenever I get involved in a discussion, someone on the opposing side gets very rilled up and starts getting mad. They start name calling, and continue stating the same argument repeatedly. In other words they make themselves look like the simpletons they are. Once you point out the holes in their arguments, the brain damage becomes more evident.

Well Chris, what makes you think you are so much smarter than these other random people? Perhaps you are the moron.

I have thought of this, but there is a difference between myself and most morons.

1) When someone makes a good point I tell them I agree with them.
Most morons will not make any concessions. Every word they say is the absolute truth, everything you say is false. Unless you agree unreservedly of course.

2) When I make a mistake, I agree. I made a mistake.
A moron is always right. Period.

3) I try not to argue about things I don't know.
OK. Sometimes I have been known to be a moron when it comes to this point. Morons will argue about anything, with anyone.

4) I try not to be arrogant, self righteous and closed minded.
The typical view of a Christian are these things exactly, but I would say they are sure signs of a moron. Fundamentalist have these attributes. Whether Christian, Muslim, Agnostic or atheist. Fundamentalist are generally these three things, and when you get into a discussion with such a person, beware.

Often a perfectly normal person can transform into a moron. Religion, politics and environmentalism are all hot button moron issues at the moment. So be wary. Even you (I) can be a moron.

Think before you speak.

Learn before you think.

or something