Stuff That Matters in Life

Katy’s Weblog

I don’t like facing reality.

I read to escape from reality.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a well-written book with an engaging story set in Afghanistan during the wars. But I couldn’t stand reading about the lives torn apart by atrocities of war, the sufferings of women in that culture, and the pain experienced from one generation to the next. I returned the book to my friend after I read about 1/3 of the book. I did read the ending, so I won’t spoil it for you. I admit it is a very good book, and you might enjoy the drama as well as gaining a greater understanding of the Muslim culture and conflicts in Afghanistan. But I like to feel happy after I read. Please recommend me a book with adventure, laughter, silliness, and not too much reality.

Mentors

Filed under Generalby Joyful

Biola University just named their new president. Clyde Cook served as the president for the last 25 years, so it is no small feat to find someone to take his place.

From what I read in the Biola Magazine, I am quite impressed with the new president Barry Corey. Aside from his academic and work experience credentials, I found it interesting how he seemed to intentionally prepared himself to reach his goals by having several mentors.

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When I think of internet marketing gurus, I think of “pyramid schemes.” Internet marketers seem to sell programs on how to market products on the internet by telling you to market their internet marketing products. So you are suppose to have an internet marketing business selling internet marketing materials?

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Yes, I did!

I read the ending of the book first!

It was too exciting and I don’t like too many sad surprises. I had to know who dies and who doesn’t. But it didn’t spoil the story for me.

I am not a huge Harry Potter fan although I do enjoy the books. I have to admit, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a pretty creatively woven story. Although the first half of the book dragged a bit, the second half had me on the edge of my seat. The Epilogue…well, it was amusing, but rather trite.

I read this last Harry Potter book without reading #6 before it, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Therefore, some parts of the story I did not get, but most of it was understandable. I’ll probably go back and read #6. But I have other books on my shelf waiting for my attention, and Harry Potter is a luxury that I cannot read without feeling some guilt of wasting my time.

I give it a 4-star.

Considering they don’t normally do anything, these 3 pirates in this newest Veggietales full length movie did quite a lot!

Here’s a photo of them.

That’s Larry, Pa Grape, and Mr. Lunt, but they have different stage names for the movie. They are Elliot, George, and Cedrick respectively. I went to see the screening of this movie that will be coming to theaters on January 11, 2008.

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Gary McIntosh, professor at Biola University, says in the Biola magazine, “I wish people understood that the heart of church growth is basic evangelism. It is not about marketing, business practices or a host of other mis-perceptions…Since all people are lost apart from a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, every church must be concerned with church growth that is accomplished through conversion evangelism. This is the heart of church growth thinking today.”

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On Monday, October 22, The King’s College in NYC will sponsor a debate between D’Souza and Christopher Hitchens at the New York Society for Ethical Culture at 64th Street and Central Park West at 7:30 p.m. The debate will address the question Is Christianity the problem?

Hitchens is best known for being an “anti-theist” and his book God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything.
D’Souza has been referred to as one of the “top young public-policy makers in the country” by Investor’s Business Daily. His book What’s So Great about America, is a top-seller. His recent book What’s So Great about Christianity takes on the leading critics of the Christian faith. He says he debated Hitchens twice before.

I hope the debate will be available on video or audio.

To buy books on Amazon.com, use my link here:
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