Four Things - Day 5

So it has been awhile since I have done anything related to Four Things.  I'm not the avid blogger but I do visit a few of the more interesting ones I have found.  I just got done reading Ashley's summer reading list over at her blog "A Cup of Ash Tea"and thought it quite interesting that the next Four Things I had to do related to that subject.  I thank my wife, Robin, from "At Four O'Clock" for starting this.  Even though I don't do it by the day, I think it is an interesting experience and will stick with it to the finish.

Day 5: Four Book Recomendations

*Note: I would recommend Game of Thrones in this list as it is one of my all time favorite series, but I thought I would recommend other, not as popular books that I have read that were interesting as well.  Game of Thrones seems to be on everyone's list at the moment.

1. Hobgoblin by John Coyne - A bit of history behind this book.  When I was 14, I spent the summer with my uncle in South Carolina (I lived in Virginia at the time) and I saw this book on his shelf.  I was needing something to read and this book seemed right up my alley.  I was heavy into Dungeons and Dragons at the time and this book was about a boy that played a fantasy game much like it and was so enamored of the game that he actually began to believe it as real.  As I read it, I was drawn into it and enthralled by the story. It was nothing like what I thought it would be but it was so very good all the same.  It turns out to be more horror than fantasy and more psychological than you could imagine.  This book was, and still is, so good that even now, more than 20+ years later, I still pick it up and read it.  I have owned this book more times than I can count and I still look for it in used  bookstores when I go because it is so hard to find.  I don't want to buy it online as I like to see and feel the book in my hand. It is a rare book so if you luck upon one, grab it, read it and hold onto it.  I am a firm believer in "books are meant to be shared" but I refuse to let this one go anymore...I never seem to get it back.

(source)

2. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss - In a nutshell, a coming of age story.  This book is very intense, very wordy and very good.  VERY.  I was confused at first by what the author was doing with his story but by the fourth or fifth chapter, I grew so engrossed in the book that I began to understand better and appreciated his approach so much more.  It is one of the better books I have read this year and am currently reading part 2 of the series now.  I can't really describe this book, but needless to say, if you are looking for a book that is epic in scope and style, pick this one up.  You won't regret it.

(source)

3. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer.  Imagine being a kid, being rich, being super intelligent and believing in fairies, elves and the fae folk and finding out they exist.  Now imagine being a ruthless villain too.  Artemis Fowl is actually a series but the first book is called Artemis Fowl and it is good for an easy read when you want something fun and exciting without being wordy and overbearing.  The first book introduces you to Artemis Fowl and gives you the basic background I told you above...rich kid with a brain and evil to boot.  He invests in trying to find the fae folk and succeeds only to try and get something from them through nefarious means.  If you want a good book that won't talk down to you and make you feel like a kid while still treating you as an adult, check this out.

(source)

4. First Blood by David Morrell. Yes, we have probably all seen Rambo: First Blood and thought it was good, awesome, awful, or what ever...but did you know it was first a book?  A very good book with a much different story than the movie and a MUCH different ending.  Oh sure, the skeleton of the movie is in these pages, but Hollywood ran amok and put a totally different flesh on that skeleton for the movie. Let me put it this way...Morrell was not planning on another book for John Rambo.  I include this book for two reasons.  First and foremost, the difference from the movie makes it so much better and to me, would have made a much better movie than what Rambo ended up being.  Second, you really get a feel for the soldier (Rambo) and the hell he has been through and what his motivations are....and you get a true feel for the cop (Teasle) and how he is a good man with a load of responsibilities...not the ass displayed in the movie.  For a good, steady read, try out this book.  It isn't my favorite but it is still a good one.

(source)

I have such a hard time choosing which books to recommend to people, I just love reading so much and there are very few books I don't finish once I start.  These are just a few of the ones I would recommend.  Who knows, I may do a post one day of nothing but book titles with links for those books I would definitely recommend to you.

Four Things - Day 4

 Sorry for the long delay between posts.  I have been extremely tired and just, to be honest, not into posting anything for a bit.  However, I am here now to post the next part of my wife's Four Things challenge that I signed on for. To see her site, visit her here atfouroclock.com

Day 4: Four Movie Recommendations

1 - The Ten Commandments: Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner play the lead roles in this awesome epic that is amazing to me even to this day.  The effects were spectacular and the story mesmerizing.  Believing in God and His wondrous displays were brought out in true and great Hollywood fashion in this movie.  I watched this for the first time when I was about 10 and as soon as I saw the dvd of it, I snatched it up. I watch this movie about once every couple of years now...thinking of watching it again soon, as a matter of fact.  The newer version, done in 2007, could not do this epic story justice in any way shape or form.  For true and amazing story telling at Hollywood's best, see this movie.

To me, next to the birth of Christ, this truly is the greatest story ever told.

2 - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: I know. How can one go from talking of God to talking of sorcery and witchcraft, right?  Well, to be honest, I am a firm believer in God, however, I also believe that we can enjoy our life.  And that enjoyment comes in many forms.  For me, its movies, books, art, and games.  

With Harry Potter, Part 1, I was introduced to this amazing world of childish fantasy and wonderful dreams.  Someplace I always wanted to go as a kid.  As an adult, I could appreciate more the tenacity and gumption that went into making this movie.  The other movies in the series are good in and of themselves, but nothing will ever be better than the original one that started it all in my opinion.  

3 - Seven Brides for Seven Brothers: I grew up as a child of television and books.  My mother introduced me to musicals and while I really could not appreciate most of them, I absolutely loved this one.  It was funny, yet serious.  It had such a sweet and caring undertone that one could not help but love the entire cast.  There were moments of frustration and moments of free thought.  The ending left you feeling really good about the future of the characters and you really felt as though you lived with the characters through all their ordeals.  To me this was one of Disney's best musicals...even best movie altogether.

4 - Facing the Giants: For all my talk of not liking sports, there are a few sports movies that I like. This is one of them, and it is not because of the sports, but the story behind it.  I have never felt so moved by a movie that contained any sport besides this one.  God plays a prominent role in our lives and it is very evident in this movie.  For a feel good, intellectual, and extremely satisfying movie, watch this one.  (Hint: If you have read the book "Fireproof" or seen the movie, you will most assuredly enjoy this movie.)

Four Things - Day 3

 

Day 3: Four beliefs/opinions

1. I believe in God.  Enough flack has been given to those that go to church or don't go.  Frankly, it all gets a bit tiring to hear.  I don't think our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, would want us to bicker over whether we attend a gathering of like minded individuals just to save our immortal souls.  I do not care for Sunday Christians or those that preach but don't practice.  In my eyes, and my heart, you are a Christian if you act the Christian part and tell others you believe in God but don't pressure them.  If they want to know more, God will open their mouths to ask for more of you; or will guide your own heart to the right thing to say to let that person know what is what about Him - and His Word.

2. Opinion - Dogs are better than cats.  Sorry cat lovers...this is just what I truly do believe. Dogs just seem to have more character in my eyes and they just touch my soul more.  When I look at a cat, I get the impression that they are staring down at me from a high perch saying something to the effect of "And just what do you think you are looking at?"  Dogs will always give you the love you need when you need it.  I just never got that love from a cat.  This little cartoon says it best in my opinion (although I think that they DO know our names.)

3. I never believed in love at first sight and, in a way, I still don't.  I DO believe that it is possible to feel something for someone you just met, but not Love.  I felt it when I first met Robin five years ago and then was disappointed when I didn't see her again for almost 2 years.  That feeling returned and was magnified when I did see her again and it made my whole world so much better.  It reaffirmed my belief in God and how He has His hands in our lives at all times. For those that don't know the story of Robin and I, you can read it here on my wife's blog.

4. I believe in letting a person be private.  What I mean by this is if a person desires to be alone or away from others, let them.  Don't pressure them or try and make them do what they don't really want to do anyway.  They could come to resent you for it.  Give people the privacy and the right to make their own decisions and don't try to make it for them. When advice is wanted, most will seek it out.  Don't give it if it isn't asked for.  I admit this is a failing of mine at times.  I find myself giving unwanted advice and for some reason, I just can't shut my mouth fast enough to let my brain catch up and warn me to stop.  It hasn't gotten me into trouble...yet.  But, I have known of those that have gotten into hot water over the words or "guidance" they have offered up.  Let a person be private and run their own life.  They don't live yours, why would you want to live theirs?

Four Things - Day 1

 

My wife over at atfouroclock.com started a challenge that I decided to join in on.

Day 1: Four likes and four dislikes

Likes

1- Reading : I like to read.  Hands down, reading to me is the single best experience to "get away from it all".  It is my Calgon, my escape from reality.  I still recall the very first book I ever read from cover to cover.  It was "Charlotte's Web".  I remember being so proud of myself at finishing it that I wanted to read more and more.  I became a reading machine.  I read books like others ate, ( and at times I even read instead of eating.) It truly became a passion that I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of.  To me, my toy store was the local bookstore growing up.  I would take paperbacks in to be traded and get new books.
Of every book I have ever read though, the one that stands out to me as my all time favorite is "Hobgoblin" by John Coyne.  It was and still is an amazing book in my opinion.  Every time I go to a used book store, I look for a copy of it as it is out of print now.  I have owned multiple copies of this book in my life but currently only have one.  For a synopsis of it, you can go here.

 

(source: here)

2- Video Games : I have always loved video games.  It is another form of escapism for me.  I remember going to see my uncle and playing Wishstone on his Amiga computer.  It was a text based game and I was enthralled by it.  I played it for hours and hours, trying to solve the puzzles.  I never finished it, much to my dismay...but I still have great memories of playing it. 

Now, I don't play much else besides World of Warcraft (WoW).  This game has had its share of flack in the 8+ years it has been out and I don't totally disagree that it can be very addicting, but it is also a very well developed and well thought out game rich in detail and story.  Some people get completely addicted to it so much so that it runs their lives in every aspect.  "Go out with friends...." Bah, why bother, all their friends are in WoW.  Not me...although I will admit that I can get sidetracked by it...I will always say and believe that my best friend is here beside me every day...my wife.  

3- Movies : Starting to see a pattern here? Ya, me too.  I guess I like a lot of various forms of entertainment. Movies tend to show me emotion rather than just read about it.  I love a well done saga like Lord of the Rings or Roots or Star Wars.  I enjoy musicals like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.  My wife introduced me to a favorite, The Phantom of the Opera with Gerard Butler.  I think that, given a choice between a good modern movie and a classic, however, I would stick with the classics.  Ten Commandments and Cleopatra were very well done sweeping epics that just enthralled me, even as a kid.

4- Coffee : Must have coffee.  I cannot function without my coffee.  I grew up getting my mother coffee everyday and when I was twelve, I was allowed a cup. I remember how bitter and awful it tasted.  I remember my mother laughing at the face I made and then she doctored it with a bit of sugar and cream.  I was in love with it since then.  My current favorite is a good cup of coffee with sweet cream that you buy at Publix grocery store.  It is not too sweet with just a hint of milk. 

Oh, and my wife makes a mean cup of joe! She is so perfect for me. 

 

(source: seen on various sites)

Dislikes

1- Know-It-Alls : If you have read the post I made "What/ Who is "Kho" and who am I?" then you know what I mean when I say this.  I cannot stand someone that knows everything about everything.  It drives me nuts.  You know the person I'm talking about...the one that has shaved faster than you because they found that secret way of doing it and refuses to tell you.  These people are "one uppers", always doing things better, faster and with more panache than you or anyone else on the planet.  

If they were so perfect at everything and know everything, then why is that person working a job making minimum wage?

Hell, if I was that damned smart and savvy then you can bet your one dollar to my millions that I would have that I would not be working so friggin hard to eat.

2- Moochers : "Hey buddy, can I borrow a dollar?" Sure, if I have it, you can borrow it.  I don't mind loaning money to someone, giving them a ride, helping with moving, etc...but when payback is due, don't leave me hanging.  If you say you will pay me back, do so. I've needed to borrow money before too and it is a humbling feeling to have to ask.  I always try to make sure I pay it back though.  

Oh, and say "Thanks" when you get the loan AND when you pay it back.  I can't stand those that mumble a quick thanks when they get the money and then act like you are ripping them apart when they hand the payment back to you.  I'm not a bank, I don't charge interest...say thanks for that at least.

3- The Twilight Series: Enough said.

4- Drugs : I guess you could call caffeine a drug, but at least it's legal.  I'm talking the illegal stuff.  I have/had friends and family that did drugs and, while I didn't like it, I let them do it.  I just don't want it around me or my family or in my home.  I have an aversion to illegal drugs...it's called "I don't want to go to jail." and also that I don't really think it is an expense or necessity for me.   If you enjoy it, so be it...just keep in mind that I don't want to be a part of it.