Because Kiernan makes me smile ...

Kiernan and Grandpa















Kiernan and mommy

Kiernan smiles

Kiernan smiles now. This isn't a real big grin, but he seemed pretty happy to see his grandpa. We got to spend a little time with him Saturday and it's so fun to see how he's grown. (By the way, Kiernan was six weeks old Saturday.)

More random goodness

Here's a couple of easy ways to do something good:
The Oxfam America Collegiate Click Drive. Find your college in the list, or sign up your college in the list, or pick one of the colleges on the list. Then click twice a day to generate donations to fight poverty.
Another hunger fighting site is Free Rice. Sponsors donate rice through the UN World Food Program when you get vocabulary words right. This is addictive.

Did you know that, very likely in your own county, is a repository of useful information? I'm not talking about the library (though that's also a handy resource), I'm talking about your Extension office. And now there's a national portal to Extension: eXtension. It's a growing resource for research-based information on a wide range of topics. And you can type in your zip code to locate the Extension office nearest you. (I don't usually mix work with this blog, but I think the eXtension project is neat and K-State Research and Extension has had a good bit of involvement in it. I even helped edit a few articles.)

National Grammar Day is March 4. Word geeks rejoice.

In related news, a New York City public servant has been recognized for his correct use of a semicolon. (And be sure to read the appended correction.)

CFBA Tour: My Name is Russell Fink

This is one of the books I've been looking forward to this year, so I'm really ashamed to admit I haven't read it yet. But I will (and when I do I'll write more about it). I've read other stories of Mike's and I love his voice. I don't expect to be disappointed and I'll bet you won't be either. In the meantime, here's the basic info:

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
My Name is Russell Fink
Zondervan (March 1, 2008)
by
Michael Snyder


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Snyder has spent the bulk of his professional career in sales, has fallen in love, and continues to struggle with the balance between art and vocation. He's never investigated a murder, much less that of an allegedly clairvoyant dog.






ABOUT THE BOOK:

Russell Fink is twenty-six years old and determined to salvage a job he hates so he can finally move out of his parents house for good. He's convinced he gave his twin sister cancer when they were nine years old. And his crazy fiancée refuses to accept the fact that their engagement really is over.

Then Sonny, his allegedly clairvoyant basset hound, is found murdered.

The ensuing amateur investigation forces Russell to confront several things at once-the enormity of his family's dysfunction, the guy stalking his family, and his long-buried feelings for a most peculiar love interest.

At its heart, My Name is Russell Fink is a comedy, with sharp dialogue, characters steeped in authenticity, romance, suspense, and fresh humor. With a postmodern style similar to Nick Hornby and Douglas Coupland, the author explores reconciliation, forgiveness, and faith in the midst of tragedy. No amount of neurosis or dysfunction can derail God's redemptive purposes.

Enger fans rejoice

Leif Enger's new book So Brave, Young and Handsome comes out in May. Mick Silva posted a bit about it and you can find it on Amazon. I loved Peace Like a River so I'm looking forward to this one.

Friday randomness

Proof Kansas is not flat: Kansas Geological Survey photos
Absurd British humor: Bunny
Another good blog by a pastor (with cartoons): nakedpastor
The cutest baby ever