Back to School: This Dad Is Okay with It
Thursday, August 26th, 2010 Posted in Around the Web | No Comments »I know some folks hate to see the end of summer, but as a parent I am ready for the kids to go back to school. With both parents working full-time, figuring out activities and child care across TEN LONG ...
“Super Sad True Love Story” — A Vote Against Book Trailers
Sunday, August 22nd, 2010 Posted in Around the Web, Fun Clips, Readings | 2 Comments »It used to be the author photos on the flap jacket. That's what killed some books for me. I'd pick up a novel, feel its heft in my hand, survey the cover design, read the front flap copy, then turn to ...
This Week’s Greatest Thing Ever: Kanye’s Tweets + New Yorker Cartoons
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 Posted in Around the Web | No Comments »I remember immediately liking Kanye West when his first CD arrived. The single "Jesus Walks" sounded new and inventive, breathing fresh life into a surprisingly resilient musical genre that bordered dangerously close to growing stale and repetitive. Over time, it was ...
Lois Lowry & Me
Thursday, July 8th, 2010 Posted in Around the Web, the writing process | 1 Comment »I've never met Lois Lowry and I doubt she has any idea how terrific I am. But for my money time, she writes one of the few truly excellent blogs out there by authors. I mean to say, it's not ...
Hey, Look! It’s the Nietzsche Family Circus
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010 Posted in Around the Web | 1 Comment »I quite enjoyed this story by Tim Vanderburg, a guest blogger at Pop Candy. Tim recalls how by writing a piece of fan mail, he became influential in updating the mom's hairstyle in the comic strip, "The Family Circus." Just a ...
Not a Complaint So Much as a Lament
Monday, June 7th, 2010 Posted in Around the Web | 4 Comments »I just came across this recent photograph. Take a look at it. Notice anything? Here's the info from the corporate Scholastic blog, On Our Minds: Book-loving people from far and wide have converged upon New York City this week for Book Expo America ...
Jigsaw Jones Birthday Party
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 Posted in Around the Web, Jigsaw Jones | 2 Comments »By virtue of "Google Alerts," I came across a blog post by a creative family that documents their creative birthday parties. It's full of fun-filled ideas (easy recipes, games, crafts, invitations) for hosting themed birthday parties that revolve around butterflies, ...
Summer Reading List
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010 Posted in Around the Web, Six Innings | No Comments »Over at the Semicolon blog, Sherry offers up a diverse and deep list for Summer Reading. In her words, "52 Picks for the Hols." As Sherry explains: I used to love to read the British slang in books by C.S. Lewis, E. ...
“Versing” Replaces “Playing”
Friday, May 14th, 2010 Posted in Around the Web, the writing process | 2 Comments »Maybe you've heard this: "Who are you versing today in the Little League game?" Justin asked. Or maybe this: "I was versing some kid in China on Madden '10!" Sammy said. What we're hearing, of course, is a new usage of the word "versing" ...
Two Years of Bloggy Goodness
Thursday, May 13th, 2010 Posted in Around the Web | No Comments »Two years of blogging! I am now a statistical freak of nature. During that period, I've neglected my kids, my wife, job, hygiene, dog, pets, laundry and more. But I'm still blogging. And that's what matters! I've shared my responses to ...