I Have Many Leather-Bound Books!

Ok, so I never thought this day would come.  Not that there would be an electronic bookshelf, but that I would care, since reading was never my favorite pastime growing up.  Alas, the abundance of reading I did in seminary (notice I didn’t even mention college) has opened me up to reading a lot more and not just for study.

My good friend Adam and I enjoy comparing notes on books so this new site lends itself well to our pursuit.  It is Shelfari.  Yes, mix safari with your bookshelf and you get Shelfari.  This is a really neat site for all readers alike.  Here’s a screen shot.

www.Shelfari.com

I really like this website for 3 reasons:

1. Sense of pride over conquered reading. Am I the only person he gets a sense of accomplishment when I look to a bookshelf of books I have read?  It makes me feel like I’ve done something and in a way expanded my mind.  This site gives you that same feeling without all the dust and wasted space.  Don’t get me wrong, much to my wife’s dismay, I still have my real bookshelves, but this website does help cut down on some clutter.  There are many books I’ve read that I do not own for some reason or another, so I now have a way to keep track of everything I have read.
2. Comparing with others is awesome! Part of the joy of reading is comparing with other readers.  That’s what Shelfari is all about.  You can view other peoples bookshelves and see what they plan to read, are reading, and what they have already read.  You can then rate and write reviews for completed books to help others out.  I’m a big sci-fi/fantasy reader and met a fellow reader through Shelfari.  He recommended several good books that I am currently reading.  It was nice to see a review before purchasing or even borrowing a book.
3. Wish-lists baby! Lastly, many of my family members do not know what to buy me in the way of books.  Shelfari allows you to create a wish-list of books that you want to own, whether it is a book you want to read or an old favorite you no longer own.  It is easy to keep up-to-date.

Let me know if you try Shelfari out and you can check out my awesome growing collection of literature.  Want to see my bookshelf?

"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany." - name that movie!

You have to go to www.shelfari.com

Yes Operator…There is a Person in my Bed

My wife was watching the news the other day and saw this story.  After hearing about it I just could not resist writing about it.

The summary:

A Holiday Inn in London is now offering a new service to their patrons: a human bed warmer.  That’s right for a small added fee you can have an actual person come into your room and lay in your bed until it reaches a desirable temperature (roughly 20 to 24 degrees Celsius).

“Oh, hello ‘ol chap…We’re your bed warmers!”

Is it just me or is this just a little on the creepy side?  Have they not heard of electric blankets?  The idea of having a stranger in my bed “warming” it just doesn’t seem…I mean…OK, I’m at a loss for words.  However, I would want to clarify their methods for “warming” said bed!

I’m  also a bit curious.  Since they are dressed in big fleece footy pajamas, will they stay and cuddle for a while?  Perhaps read you a nice bedtime story?  Try ordering this service in the States the next time you are traveling and see what they say.

I don’t quite know how, but I have to work this into a sermon one day!

Don’t believe this story?  Check out this link and see for yourself.

http://www.nydailynews.com/travel/2010/01/21/2010-01-21_holiday_inn_location_in_london_offers_human_bed_warmer_service__a_staffer_to_war.html

Where Have You Been Young Man?

Some of you might be asking that very question. I start blogging and get you hooked, but then drop off the face of the Earth. Where have I been?

Photo taken by Jeremy Cherry

For the past two weeks I took a short break from life to celebrate the end of my four year-long seminary career. May 24th I graduated (yes they let me walk) with my Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

It was a day I’d been waiting for. The best part of it all, though, was having my family close at hand. My parents and younger brother flew in to join the festivities. My in-laws even flew in to lend their support.

It was a great time and we also made time for some of the best Texas BBQ! Check out here for more fun photos taken by my younger bro. You can also check out his blog American Jeremy.

By the way…it’s good to be back!

Power of a Sneeze

http://www.miniclip.com/games/stop-swine-flu/en/

Remember when your parent’s used to fuss at you for not covering your mouth when you sneeze?  Well, apparently there is a reason for that.  The sneeze is a powerful weapon with devastating effects!

Someone thought that the best way to illustrate the anatomy of a sneeze is by creating a game.  Seriously, check out what the makers of the game SNEEZE (link not for the faint of heart) have to say:

“Help to prevent the spread of the swine flu by catching your sneezes with a tissue and then washing your hands. This educational software/game illustrates the consequences of allowing the flu to spread in an interactive graphical simulation. It is intended to inform people of the reasons to take measures that will help prevent further spreading of the flu.” -biomedical research charity

I’m not trying to make fun of the current Swine Flu outbreak, but seriously a game?  I was browsing my favorite free internet game site www.Miniclip.com and there it was.

The object of the game is to infect as many people in a given area with only one sneeze.  No joke, you get one sneeze to infect three groups of people: childern (5 pts), adults (10 pts), and elderly (15 pts).  Notice the point system…apparently we do gain something with age…we’re worth more points!  The game is a top down view.

Before the SNEEZE

Unsuspecting Public

And After the SNEEZE

Gesundheit

I know…a disgusting image.  And it only started with one sneeze.  If you are brave, check out the game.  The moral of this story:

COVER YOUR MOUTH WHEN YOU SNEEZE!

We’re Related But I Don’t Claim Him!

I got into the blogging trend because of the nudging of my brother.  For that reason I felt it appropriate to give him a shout out.  You can find him at American Jeremy.

We’re related but for obvious reasons, I don’t claim him!  In all seriousness…you should check out his blog.  He updates far more than I do (how I miss college free time!) and he is very entertaining.  I’m proud to call him my brother.

Jay…as he is called by his family…describes himself in these ways:

I am a Christian: One Love, One God, One Way

I am an American: pretty simple, I was born and raised in VA

I am a Musician: I love to play, listen, write, and record music

I am an Outdoorsman: I am a Eagle Scout and Raft Guide and can’t get enough of it

I am a Progressive: I believe in progress and that we can make this world better

Drop by American Jeremy for a fun time.  While you are there don’t hesitate to wish him a happy 20th birthday (May 1st)!