skrzynskie's Blog

From Page to Stage

Come join us in the Community Room on Wednesday March 18th at 2p.m. as we view and discuss The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith. This is the saga of Chris Gardner's life struggle from homeless, jobless poverty to Wall Street success. Online registration required.

Mar 11, 2009

Lent: Orthodox Style

Lent is a season of fasting, spiritual and mental cleansing, and discipline. But how orthodox do the orthodox fast in these parts? Read this article from the Detroit Free Press to find out how. For a broader view of lenten festivities, see The Encyclopedia of Easter, Carnival and Lent in our library collection.

Feb 24, 2009

The Faith of Barack Obama

The Faith of Barack Obama explores the religious background of Barack Obama, examines his relationship with the Reverend Jeremiah Wright at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, and discusses how his beliefs shape his personal and political life. Read this book for an insight into our new president's ideals.

Feb 16, 2009

Today is Tu B'Shevat, a Holiday that Celebrates Trees

Tu B'Shevat (Tu from "tet vav," the Hebrew numeral for 15; b' (of); and Shevat (the month), is a minor Jewish holiday that focuses on ecology and connections to the natural world. Almonds along with dried fruits such as dates, figs, raisins and carob are eaten at a Tu B'Shevat seder. Other activities include the planting of trees and the drinking of wine. For more, see this article.

Feb 09, 2009

President Obama Creates new Religious Office

President Barack Obama has chosen Joshua DuBois to lead his White House-based effort to steer federal social service dollars to religious charities and get them more involved in government anti-poverty efforts.

Feb 02, 2009

Facts.com Database

Facts.com database has many cartoons that can be used to illustrate a point in papers or presentations. Here is one from the past (2003) that is definitely partisan:

Hard Times

Feb 01, 2009

Cover and Review to "The Language of Bees"

Here is a picture and review of Laurie R. King's new book in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series, coming soon in April. Here is Amazon's editorial review.

Jan 27, 2009

Obama's New Stance

In his first formal television interview, President Obama chose an Arab network to broadcast his willingness to show respect and listen carefully in all conversations engaged with or pertaining to Middle Eastern countries. Read this interview.

Jan 27, 2009

"The Namesake" will be showing here on February 18th

"The Namesake" is our choice for the February movie/book discussion, known as "From Page to Stage." Click on the link to find a copy of the book. A sound recording of the book might also be available. Register online to be able to attend.

Jan 05, 2009

From Page 2 Stage will Discuss "The Kite Runner" on January 21st

"The Kite Runner" is the story of two boys growing up in Afghanistan, their unique friendship, how it is tried by sibling rivalry, torn apart by the Soviet Afghan War, and later by the Taliban. It is also about the redemptive courage and power to make things right once they have gone horribly wrong in a terrible world. Come join us as we view and discuss it in our meeting room at 2 o'clock on January 21st.

Dec 30, 2008

Sarcasm of the Season

Facts.com database has lots of humorous cartoons that reflect the situation in this country. Here is one from 2003 that depicts the burgeoning corporate profits in stark contrast to a family's income or wages! Some of this may ring true today.

Dec 23, 2008

Have you read "The Number"?

Book jacket to "The Number" made me re-think how much money I would need to retire, how much longer I might live and how to best invest my money.

Read more >>

Dec 23, 2008

Pilgrimage & Mysticism

Mysticism is described as the immediate consciousness of the ultimate reality of God or the experience of such communion as described by mystics. As evidenced by the popular explosion of titles attempting to quench the spiritual thirst of seekers, this quest is alive and well among readers today. Here are some sources to help satisfy the soul's search for serenity.

Pilgrimage

The pilgrim's progress in modern English by John Bunyan — Classical — Penned in the 1400's, this allegory follows the Pilgrim on his mystical and dangerous journey to safe arrival in the desired country.