Got Lots of Print for Christmas

Back from reading the morning thread, feeding the pests, and other chores.

Some folks are apparently still trying to get me to read dead tree editions again, despite my web-induced attention disorder. I got lots of print for Christmas.

1

My late cousin's daughter, who is my daughter's age, gave me a copy of Time magazine's Abe Lincoln, His Life and Times: An Illustrated History. I'm sure it's the kind of pro-Abe stuff I grew up on. I've had a hard time moderating my admiration for the old rail-splitter nation-saver, but I've come to recognize a lot of our overbearing federal problems stemmed from his Presidency; not totally convinced it was his fault as much as the times, but then today we have examples like, say, Gowdy, as look like one thing do another Con-servatives.

2

She also got me what looks like it might be a fun read: Age Doesn't Matter Unless You're a Cheese - Wisdom from Our Elders, by Kathryn and Rosa Petras

3

Daughter bestowed upon me an interesting-looking volume: A Guide to the Study and Use of Military History from the Center of Military History, United States Army. This may take a while to absorb, but how cool!

She also gave me some old, raggedy Classics Illustrated (Junior), Disney, and Gold Key comics. Don't have to worry that they're not in mint condition, anyway! Barely "readable condition." But, Dumbo!

Milady loves books, and thrift stores, and I got the benefit of the combination this Christmas. To wit:

4

Holy Humor: Inspirational Wit & Cartoons by Cal lll & Rose Samra from the best of The Joyful Noiseletter. I may be able to compete participate with FenelonSpoke in spiritual humor using this.

5

Clay in the Master's Hands, the story of John Frank, ceramic artist and founder of Frankoma Pottery, as told by Donna Frank. Frankoma is a locally-famous Oklahoma business. His wares used to be available at Wal-Mart, back when Sam was alive and insisted on American-made goods. Now the stuff is only available online, I think.

6

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven - A remarkable account of miracles, angels, and life beyond this world - a true story. Not sure about this one, but I'll give it a look. On the plus side, it's not Colton Burpo. On the downside, the authors are Kevin & Alex Malarkey. What an ironically unfortunate name for such a work!

7

A copy of H.G. Wells' The First Men in the Moon, in edge-worn paperback. This may be the one I dive into first. I don't think I've ever read it.

Milady also got me a "Comic Note Book," a shirtpocket-size "blank book" with blank pre-drawn panels and a word-balloon stencil. Kind of confining, a little impractical, but a cute idea.

8

And I got a real prize from one of my sons: A first-printing edition of The Urantia Book, a little yellowed but otherwise in good condition. No paper cover; that would've made it perfect. A true collector's item.

I haven't seen a first printing UB since I ran across the copy my brother donated to the local library. I mentioned it to my neighbor and friend, the old librarian (RIP), and he put it on protected Reserve, because sometimes UB-haters (or maybe it's UB-overenthusiasts) tend to abscond with them. Alas, the new librarians apparently ditched that one years ago.

I should be set for winter reading!