HAVE A MERRY "GAMADIN" CHRISTMAS!!

May all your presents be the coolest books to read . . .

Father Mike Straley

I visited another good friend of mine, college fraternity bro and Lakewood alum like myself, Father Mike Straley, while on my recent book tour through Arizona. The last time I saw Father Mike he was in Flagstaff.  Now he is in Phoenix.  Father Mike has been doing some pretty heroic things for youths who got a little side-tracked. Miracles some would say.  He's been fighting Dakadudes for years and is a Gamadin for sure.  I gave him a case of Gamadin books for the kids in his diocese to enjoy.  Take care, Father Mike. It was great seeing you again. 

 

Alpine Pizza, Flagstaff, AZ

You don't have to go to New York or Italy for great pizza. If you're passing through Flagstaff, stop by Alpine Pizza at 7 N. Leroux St. right in the middle of downtown Flag. Since 1973 owner and good friend, Danny Rich, has been putting out an awesome pizza. I stopped by just before Thanksgiving for a Gamadin meet & greet bash. It was great fun.  Thanks, Danny!!

Ancient Rome by Google

I've always been facinated by ancient Rome, it's history, it's politics, it's effect on the forming of Western Civilization. The HBO series Rome is a historically accurate and rich glimpse into that past. The series is available on DVD and is well worth seeing. There are many good books, too. The last one I read, and highly recommend is Augustus: The Life of Rome's First Emperor by Anthony Everitt. What's amazing about this book, as you're reading you'll discover how much the governing class has not changed in 2,000 years. Even back then they were taxing the rich to support the Empire and its handouts just like today. As you're watching or reading about ancient Rome, Google has put together a 3D walk through the ancient city that restores Rome to its once former glory. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqMXIRwQniA

Kerby Brown is a Gamadin

Captured on this photo from Reuters is Kerby Brown.  He's riding a 41-foot wave, and this is not Photoshop markup.  It's the real thing.  Harlowe and Riverstone would be envious. Kerby's definitely Gamadin material. For the full story click on the link above.

A Real Alternative Fuel that Makes Sense

Want a real alternative car that makes actual sense?  How about one the runs on compressed air.  Think it's a joke or a waste of time? Check out the Magnetic Air Car and put away your doubts. The technology isn't new either. In 1932, J.M. Custer of Piggott, Arkansas had an idea for a car that would run on compressed air. He not only built the car, but it actually ran. He used an engine that resembled a radial airplane motor in appearance. It was mounted upright in the same space occupied by gasoline motors in standard cars. Four tanks filled with compressed air powered the car 500 miles at a speed of 35 miles an hour. The engine did not require a cooling system, ignition system, carburetor, nor the hundreds of moving parts included in a standard gasoline motor.

The technology didn’t attract much interest for 75 years. But it’s resurfacing, using today’s high technology.

Michael Crichton, One of the Greats

I loved Mr. Crichton's writing. He was an inspiration to me ever since I read his first book, Andromeda Strain. I was so sad and SHOCKED to hear that he passed away last Tuesday, I couldn't believe it. He was the author of so many great books, Timeline, Eaters of the Dead, State of Fear, Lost World are just a few. My all time favorite book is Jurassic Park. Not because it was a such a great story and movie, which it was, but because of the many profound passages the book contained that are said by the quirky scientist , Malcolm There are many, but one that I will never forget is when Malcolm says: "...The medieval world of feudal politics and religious dogma and hateful superstitions fell before science. But, in truth, this was because the medieval world didn't work any more. It didn't work economically, it didn't work intellectually, and it didn't fit the new world that was emerging."

How right you were, Mr. Crichton, a new world is emerging.