Book Review: An Inconvenient Truth

I guess I've been on a bit of a roll lately reading my birthday books. It doesn't hurt that I ride the bus and have an hour everyday where can I focus on a book (that never happens at home!). Each book I've read recently has had an interesting focus and this one is no different. I can't think of a book/film that has met with the same controversy since Fahrenheit 911 - strange how all the projects by liberals are seen as controversial, hmmm...

One thing I'll say about An Inconvenient Truth is that this book shouldn't be seen as a liberal issue. Sure, it was written by Al Gore, but I think this book really doesn't have much to do with partisan politics. Gore states that this is "a moral issue", not a political issue. I can't agree more. It surprises me that whenever I encounter criticism of the book, the criticism is about Gore himself. Even if Al Gore does some thing personally that waste energy or go against some of his findings, the facts don't change - Global Warming is happening.

I came across a criticism of the book/movie in the Chronie, yes I still read the Chronicle - that's a blast from the past for some of you, from Aaron Zundel. His op-ed piece, An Inconvenient Truth about 'An Inconvenient Truth', was pretty interesting. He'd rather criticize Al Gore, than focus on the issue. Why? Al Gore isn't trying to invent Global Warming to drum up business for himself.

This was a good read. The book is adapted from Gore's presentation in the movie. It is full of graphics and graphs depicting how global warming is changing our planet. While it reminds me of the USA today with all the images, it illustrates what's going on around in a way that makes sense to the non-scientist.

I know I need to change my "carbon footprint" and make our home more earth friendly. Riding the bus is a good start, and we recently purchased the energy efficient light bulbs - those are pretty cool. Still, I want to be involved, even if it's only through small and simple ways.

Look Out Amazon

OK, so we're not out on a book tour yet, but we did publish a book version of half truths and mild tales. About 6 months ago Annie introduced me to Blurb.com, a company that publishes various kinds of books. You know, photo books, cook books, etc. Well, the new addition to this site was a blog book option. The website would basically pull your blog and put it into book form, where you and others could order a hard cover copy. Wow!!! That's exactly what I've wanted to do ever since we started this blog.

So, now you can enjoy this blog in cyberspace or you can have a copy for your very own! I don't expect anyone else to buy one, but it is definitely a treasure for Tara and me. Our 2006 book contains 200 pages of posts and pics from a wonderful year in our lives. Everything from the arrival of Alex, to the loss of our youth is packed into this fun little book. Here's a preview of the book for everyone to check out. Who knows, maybe you'll want your own copy!

Clean as a Whistle

Coleton's baptism was earlier today and I'd hate to let it go by without mentioning what a great kid he is. Coleton has always been a special boy in my life. Ever since he was born the two of us have had a special relationship. From geocaching and camping (especially getting warm by the fire...)to sleep-overs with Papa, Coleton and I have always been good friends.

I was really touched when Coleton called me on Friday and asked if I would give the spotlight about him at the baptism. It's not that I didn't know already I was important to him, we all know who our friends are - still, it's neat to have someone honor you with a special request. The spotlight went well, as I managed to stay relatively composed and didn't embarrass myself or Coleton. It was a special day for my buddy and I'm really glad I was able to be involved. I'm proud of you Coleton!

UCET Conference

As part of my job I get to attend and present at the UCET (Utah Coalition for Educational Technology) conference each year. I've always enjoyed presenting, but sometimes the national keynote speakers have been a bit hit or miss. Too many of them have been trying to sell something. This year David Warlick provided a fantastic presentation about the future of technology. One of my favorite thoughts Warlick shared was: We are preparing the children of tomorrow for a future we can't clearly describe. Can you imagine any other generation being able to make such a bold claim? For most the future was a slightly better version of the present, but our children probably won't even use a mouse (or even a computer) in 15 years!

I was really excited by everything I saw and learned over the past two days. It's amazing to know that the Web and technology are bringing the world closer together. This blog is a perfect example of collaborating and sharing with people all over the world. I mean, this blog has been hit over 13,000 times (and I've only hit it 10,000 times..) by people all over the world. Have we shared a deep conversation, no - but just the fact that we could is very exciting. I presented this afternoon on Web 2.0 and shared the following video with my participants. I think it speaks volumes about what the real potential we're deal with here.

Book Review: Why my Wife Thinks I'm an Idiot

I know it's no surprise to most of you that I like listening to sports talk radio. In fact, my radio dial rarely reaches over into FM, unless I'm going to KUER (the local NPR affiliate). My favorite sports talk program has to be Mike and Mike in the Morning from ESPN radio. It has a great premise - put an ex-jock who played in the NFL, Mike Golic, with an ESPN anchor noted for his sense of style and interest in pop culture, Mike Greenberg. They're a great match and it's an awesome program.

So, when I saw the Greeny had written a book I knew I wanted to give it a read. It was much different than I expected. Of course the root of the book is sports. Greenberg has been a sports junkie throughout most of his life, but the book is more than sports. In fact, I think the book is primarily about being a parent, a parent who wants to give your kids more time than is possible because of work.

The book is basically an ongoing journal than Greeny put together over the course of 6 or 7 years for his therapist. In its pages we get to see the funny parts of parenting, mixed together with the challenges of watching our kids grow too fast. The one issue I have with the idea of parenting for the Greenbergs is the fact that they have a live in nanny. Not that's there anything wrong with that, but it certainly changes the dynamic of having to change diapers at 2 am. At one point in the book Greeny is freaking out because his wife is leaving for a few days and he'll be alone with the kids, oh wait except he'll have Lourdes - the nanny with him. Still, it's now 2 on 2 instead of 3 on 2 and those "aren't good odds." You can all relate right?!

One comment in the book really stood out to me. Dr. Grey, the therapist, and Greeny were talking about how quickly his kids were growing up when they had the following exchange:

"The greatest frustration of getting older is when you begin to miss things that you didn't enjoy when they were happening. If you look up the word regret in the dictionary, that's what it should say.

I nodded. Actually, I nodded a long time. And as soon as we were done with the session I jotted the words down. They seem worth remembering."

Those words are worth remembering. It seems like every time I turn around I'm so bogged down with the minutia of what's going on around me that I'm not taking the time to appreciate those little gems in life. Sure changing diapers isn't the greatest thing in the world, but imagine how I'll feel in 7 or 8 years when Kennedy won't let me near her. I know I'll miss the enjoyment of her needing me and wanting me around. What about Alex's desire to be held? Soon he'll be off and running on his own and then I won't have the chance to have him sleep on my chest. It was a pivotal moment in the book and it's certainly got me thinking about similar issues.

If you're interested in sports and life (even if you're only slightly interested in sports) this is a fun, quick read. I know I enjoyed looking in on another man's issues, even if I can only relate to some of them.