SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City

General Category => Random Talk => Topic started by: rubedugans on October 09, 2011, 09:41:14 PM

Title: What are you Reading?
Post by: rubedugans on October 09, 2011, 09:41:14 PM
I am one that when I see, or hear of a good book, I get them to hold onto until I can find time to read them. SO at any given time, my nightstand, and work bag have 3-4 books ready just in case.

SO WHAT ARE YOU READING?
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: rubedugans on October 09, 2011, 09:52:37 PM
My "short" list:
*"Born out of Season" Ralph Hooker
*"Jim Owen's Hillbilly Humor"
*"The Mugging of Kiel Opera House"
*"The promise land; A story about Ozark Mountains and the early settlers of southwest Missouri", -very excited about this one!!!
*"Pieces of Eight"-a second in a series of prequels to Tresure Island
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Joy on October 11, 2011, 01:30:36 PM
I'm currently reading Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman for a class. I am LOVING it. Of course, I expected to, as I've read part of his Graveyard Book and his episode was the best of this most recent season of Doctor Who.

I have a lot of books I'm hoping to get around to. I'll be reading more of Gaiman's work, but I'm also needing to finish getting through the Series of Unfortunate Events books. My main goal is to get a copy of the Simonson Thor Omnibus from the library and get some comic book reading done (since I've really not ready any comic books ever), as well as re-reading Kage Baker's Company series.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: cheesehead57 on October 11, 2011, 02:57:33 PM
Markings by Dag Hammarskjold
The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury
Iceberg by Clive Cussler
The Secret of Excalibur by Andy McDermott

Takes me a long time to read because I wear glasses and have to use a powerful visor magnifier too.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Duelist on October 11, 2011, 07:32:07 PM
"The White Buffalo" by Richard Sale.  A fantasy about Wild Bill Hickok and Crazy Horse teaming up to kill a white buffalo that haunts them both.  I read it every year about this time.  It was made into a movie back in 1975 starring Charles Bronson and Will Sampson.   I read a lot of westerns.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: sanddunerider on October 12, 2011, 09:35:52 AM
great movie, never read the book.  I also enjoy the lonesome dove series.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: MissinTheGreenTrams on October 12, 2011, 04:09:42 PM
boring boring textbooks and not much else.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Duelist on October 12, 2011, 09:22:27 PM
Quote from: sanddunerider on October 12, 2011, 09:35:52 AM
great movie, never read the book.  I also enjoy the lonesome dove series.

I haven't gotten a chance to see the movie yet but I've seen the trailer and it looks like it follows the book pretty closely.  "Lonesome Dove" is my favorite novel of all time.  Larry McMurtry really hit it out of the park with that one.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: rubedugans on October 12, 2011, 09:36:56 PM
One intention of mine was to find new novels/ texts that I thought would be good reads.

Textbooks stink! and on top of the fact that they aren't usually too exciting...they cost exponentially more than any other book!!!

I have not read, nor have I seen Lonesome Dove. I might have to add that to a list. I am a fan of Westerns, but I am picky about my authors.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Duelist on October 13, 2011, 08:13:08 AM
Rube, are you enjoying "Born Out of Season"?  I really liked that book.  Like your new avatar by the way.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: thelarsonsix on October 13, 2011, 08:01:00 PM
Quote from: rubedugans on October 12, 2011, 09:36:56 PM
One intention of mine was to find new novels/ texts that I thought would be good reads.

Textbooks stink! and on top of the fact that they aren't usually too exciting...they cost exponentially more than any other book!!!

I have not read, nor have I seen Lonesome Dove. I might have to add that to a list. I am a fan of Westerns, but I am picky about my authors.

You wouldn't be disappointed. 
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: rubedugans on October 13, 2011, 08:11:34 PM
Born out of season has been great. I am enjoying it, and just wish I had a free day to read it in its' entirety (it is only around 100 pgs.).
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: rubedugans on March 29, 2012, 12:36:00 PM
This is an old thread I just had to resurrect after  I read a quick short story (about 2 pages) with a class today...Just change the words Galesburg Ill, to SDC, MO and it is perfect!!

"The Third Level" By: Jack Finney
http://jonescollegeprep.enschool.org/ourpages/auto/2009/9/3/38473138/3RDLEVEL_JF.doc (http://jonescollegeprep.enschool.org/ourpages/auto/2009/9/3/38473138/3RDLEVEL_JF.doc)
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: MissinTheGreenTrams on March 29, 2012, 05:36:01 PM
Still got my head stuck in textbooks. Lord it seems like I will never read my way out!!!
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: rubedugans on March 29, 2012, 07:17:22 PM
This one takes about 5 minutes and is well worth it!
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Duelist on March 29, 2012, 08:09:25 PM
That was a great story, Rube.  It reminded me of a "Twilight Zone" episode.  By the way I'm reading another western (of course) "The Hider" by Loren Estleman.  A great book and another one I read every year or 2.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: rubedugans on March 29, 2012, 08:51:51 PM
Yes, I believe you are thinking of the episode from 1960 entitled "A Stop at Willoughby " It is an episode in which a man, tired of the hustle and bustle of life falls asleep on a modern train, and wakes up on an 1880s railcoach in Willoughby. He returns to modern day, only to end up returning to Willoughby. The episode has its own Twighlight Zone twist to it for the conclusion, but it is still one of my top 2-3 TZ episodes. It was cited by Rod Serling as being his favorite story of the first season of the series. I think that maybe my Willoughby is SDC!

The full episode can be found in the link below, give it a watch, you will not regret it, and like the story"The Third Level" that I posted above, this is a great way for us to imagine "what if?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwZKaSR7byo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwZKaSR7byo)
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: rubedugans on March 29, 2012, 08:59:31 PM
Oh yah, my favorite part of the episode is when his wife tells him "you were just born too late" seeing that my wife said those exact words to me in our car ride back from SDC Sunday and she has never seen this program. Yes this is one of my favorite episodes of any program even though it aired over 20 years before I was born!
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Duelist on March 29, 2012, 09:33:32 PM
Thanks for the link to that TW episode, Rube!
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: rubedugans on March 29, 2012, 09:47:07 PM
Was that the one that you were thinking Duelist?
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Gilligan on March 30, 2012, 07:01:27 AM
Powerpoint presentations on Autism and Aspbergers for a post grad class- only slightly better than textbooks.  *yawn*
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: tomncyndi on March 30, 2012, 07:29:43 AM
i found everything i read and seen on autism and aspbergers very interesting you must be looking in the wrong book ....lol
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Duelist on March 30, 2012, 07:07:15 PM
Quote from: rubedugans on March 29, 2012, 09:47:07 PM
Was that the one that you were thinking Duelist?

Yes, that was the episode.  Thanks Rube.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Gilligan on March 31, 2012, 10:51:54 PM
Quote from: tomncyndi on March 30, 2012, 07:29:43 AM
i found everything i read and seen on autism and aspbergers very interesting you must be looking in the wrong book ....lol

It was very interesting!  But it is my third in a row on-line grad class!  Since I am sitting home with a broken knee, I thought I may as well take advantage of time and get some coursework finished before summer.  Three classes, 3 exams, 12 term papers, and 9 journal articles to critique in three weeks!  Yikes!!  :o Now you know why I said *YAWN!*  One more class to go, and I can read something fun like...Photoshop for Dummies, How to Use Aperture...  :)
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: tomncyndi on April 01, 2012, 08:18:57 AM
well Gilligan my situation for research on the subject is a lot different than yours my 12yo son has autism . we had to change a few things in our life when he got diagnosed but after doing the research our lives became so much easyer some of the stuff you will read about will be VERY boring and alot of it is repeated over and over again . but dont give up ! im not sure what you are studying this subject for but i wish you the best of luck !!!! people with disabilities are the best people to work with . my son is the reason i do what i do .
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Gilligan on April 01, 2012, 03:21:48 PM
Tom, I am a teacher and statistics tell us that 1 in 100 children are diagnosed within the Autism Spectrum Disorder.  The rate at which students are diagnosed is  growing faster than the research.  Autism isn't something they teach you much about in school, and faculty workshops are fewer and far between due to budget cuts, so...if you need to know, you're own your own for helping these kids achieve.  Within the last five years, I think I have had a student with autism each year - before that , none!  Also, I have two nephews with aspbergers.  Both of them are Eagle Scouts!!  This is National Autism Awareness month.  Do your part, friends, and enter a marathon or find some other way to help fund research!  My next book (aka- on-line class) is Child Abuse, Drug and Alcohol Abuse.  And THEN I will finally have enough credits to keep my certification renewed for the next five years. 
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: MissinTheGreenTrams on April 01, 2012, 05:14:45 PM
I think Autisim is at every 1 in 80 now.......scary thought. Makes you wonder what is being chemically put in food to alter a growing fetus so. But that is my thoughts on the subject and best left to myself...
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: tomncyndi on April 01, 2012, 05:26:42 PM
No its 1 in every 88 and for boys its 1 in 54 and 1 in 6 have a developmental disability . if i was a teacher and i found out a child with a disability was going to be coming to my class i would do the reserch to better understand what i was getting into .it is great of you to be doing that you wouldnt believe the amount of teachers i have come across that just dont care  .i am an MPACT parent advocate I became that because my child was being physically and mentally abused by the school staff . sorry for getting on the soap box for a few .     cyndi
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Gilligan on April 01, 2012, 05:54:13 PM
You have every right to be on a soapbox, and I'm glad you are!  There are so many, many simple strategies that help with communication - visual cues, simple direct instructions, and a longer response time, for example, that can improve the learning environment not only for the autistic child, but also for the teacher and his/her classmates. I wish I knew more about it when my nephews were younger.  As a teacher, I recognized some of their red flags for a learning impairment, but their parents were not accepting of the fact that there could be a problem.  One is gifted, high functioning and his younger brother is low functioning.  It took so long to get them diagnosed that it makes me sad thinking of the time waisted that we (his family) could have been spent helping him learn to communicate with us. And, you are right about some teachers not caring, but there are so many others that simply don't know what to do and become overwhelmed with the multitude of disorders - cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral - that are present in every classroom.  Keep on advocating!!!  Acceptance is the first step to understanding!
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: okiebluegrass on April 06, 2012, 11:09:49 AM
Honestly I haven't read any book other than a bible or a hymnal in awhile. Do music books count?
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Gilligan on April 06, 2012, 12:00:38 PM
Yep, I would say they count!
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Joy on April 06, 2012, 05:19:59 PM
I'm currently halfway through "Good Omens," and as I expected, it's GREAT! I'm just so in love with Neil Gaiman, and now I need to look into Terry Pratchett's solo writing as well.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: rubedugans on April 06, 2012, 09:03:03 PM
^^^
Thanks for making me feel like a heathen Okie!!! ;D
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: okiebluegrass on April 09, 2012, 10:44:24 AM
Sorry  ;)
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: KBCraig on April 11, 2012, 12:51:23 PM
Quote from: Gilligan on April 01, 2012, 03:21:48 PM
Tom, I am a teacher and statistics tell us that 1 in 100 children are diagnosed within the Autism Spectrum Disorder.  The rate at which students are diagnosed is  growing faster than the research. 

I listened to this show this morning:

http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-04-11/insights-new-research-autism

It was interesting. Like many other things, I'm sure it's both over-diagnosed falsely, and under-diagnosed. They had one mother as a guest, who admitted she was the typical frantic panicked first-time parent. Her son was diagnosed autistic, but only after she kept dragging him back to the doctor for "problems" that were within the normal range, just not as good as she wanted.

I didn't hear the entire show, but I was struck that she talked about how much his speech improved after nine months of twice-a-week speech therapy -- starting at 18 months. Now, what child's speech does not improve markedly from 18 to 27 months? Same thing when he started pre-school at age three. Today, his fourth birthday, he's "amazing". Again, what kid doesn't change markedly during that age range?

25 years ago, a diagnosis of autism mean unfunctional. Today, social awkwardness can trigger a diagnosis. I have the utmost compassion for parents struggling with a child who can't fit into society, or who can't learn, or can't express himself. I fear that they'll lose out on resources consumed by those with marginal diagnoses.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: KBCraig on April 11, 2012, 12:53:48 PM
Quote from: Joy on April 06, 2012, 05:19:59 PM
I'm currently halfway through "Good Omens," and as I expected, it's GREAT!

Have you read "American Gods"? It's dark, but fascinating, and full of the little details that you love about Neil Gaiman's work.

I also highly recommend anything by Christopher Moore. No, scratch that: everything by Christopher Moore, since each of his books is so different from the rest.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: MissinTheGreenTrams on April 11, 2012, 01:33:24 PM
Yall I just took some nasty tests and to treat myself I read a big ole book of Johanna Lindsey smut!  ;D It was smutty smut smut goodness!
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: joshblakebran on April 11, 2012, 01:41:58 PM
I read the SDC Forums...also love western books especially those written by Ralph Cotton, Ralph Compton, William (JA) Johnstone, Louis L'Amour, Cameron Judd, Terry C. Johnston, Charles West, etc...Then I have my Bibles and devotions that I read a lot of...and then...of course my books for my profession much like all you including Autism, RTI, Differentiation, Effective Leadership, etc, etc, etc. I need more time to read each day in fact...
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Joy on April 11, 2012, 06:38:28 PM
Quote from: KBCraig on April 11, 2012, 12:53:48 PM
Quote from: Joy on April 06, 2012, 05:19:59 PM
I'm currently halfway through "Good Omens," and as I expected, it's GREAT!

Have you read "American Gods"? It's dark, but fascinating, and full of the little details that you love about Neil Gaiman's work.

I also highly recommend anything by Christopher Moore. No, scratch that: everything by Christopher Moore, since each of his books is so different from the rest.


I haven't read "American Gods" yet, but I do own it now, as well as "Anansi Boys." I may start on AG after I finish Good Omens.

Hmmm... I think I've heard of Christopher Moore, but I haven't read any of his stuff. I'll look into it.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: KBCraig on April 13, 2012, 04:00:59 PM
Quote from: Joy on April 11, 2012, 06:38:28 PM
Quote from: KBCraig on April 11, 2012, 12:53:48 PM
Quote from: Joy on April 06, 2012, 05:19:59 PM
I'm currently halfway through "Good Omens," and as I expected, it's GREAT!

Have you read "American Gods"? It's dark, but fascinating, and full of the little details that you love about Neil Gaiman's work.

I also highly recommend anything by Christopher Moore. No, scratch that: everything by Christopher Moore, since each of his books is so different from the rest.


I haven't read "American Gods" yet, but I do own it now, as well as "Anansi Boys." I may start on AG after I finish Good Omens.

Hmmm... I think I've heard of Christopher Moore, but I haven't read any of his stuff. I'll look into it.

"Fluke" and "Lamb" are my favorites. Some folks might find Lamb sacrilegious, but as a Christian I loved it. People forget that Jesus really was fully man as well as God.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Moore_(author)
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Joy on April 14, 2012, 08:59:27 PM
Oh, wait! I've heard of Lamb! Yeah, I'm definitely interested in reading that one.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Gilligan on April 16, 2012, 10:37:06 AM
FINALLY!  I have the time to read something for fun - coursework completed.  I'm reading Laura Bush: Spoken From the Heart - a gift from son that arrived in the mail!  Autographed copy!
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Zephon on May 05, 2012, 09:30:51 AM
I'm currently reading "The Harbinger" by Jonathan Cahn. The author connects an Isaiah prophesy concerning Israel to post 9/11 United States. Very interesting.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: MissinTheGreenTrams on May 05, 2012, 09:50:43 AM
3 days left of school and then I will have 2 weeks of trash reading ahead of me. Then its summer school....oh boy...
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: emmabugsmama on May 05, 2012, 11:18:26 AM
I just read The Day Toys came to Silver Dollar City to my daughter the other day.  Hiram T. Harlow reminded me of the Lorax movie.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: DollarCityBoy on May 14, 2012, 04:07:31 PM
I'm currently reading "Love Works. Seven Timeless Principles For Effective Leaders" By: Joel Manby (CEO of HFE)

I've just started the book, but I already highly recommend it.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Junior on May 14, 2012, 05:08:16 PM
Is there anything in the book about bringing back the Hatfields and McCoys on a big time basis, the Rainmaker, traditional music, float trip, diving bell, balloon chase, or opening up the Treehouse? (Yeah, I know...just hoping, though! ;))
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: DollarCityBoy on May 15, 2012, 08:50:31 AM
nothing about that yet, I'm on page 38 ;)

It's a book about leadership, and about the company's strong Christian values. How 'love' is a word that is used on a daily bases when talking about employees, and their interaction with each other & guest.

Junior, I recommend you getting a copy. I know Joel wasn't in charge when you were working there, but he talks A LOT about Jack & Pete, and what good men they are.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: DollarCityBoy on May 31, 2012, 09:54:31 AM
OK, so I'm reading the last chapter of the book, and he is telling a story about this wonderful Dollywood employee who is an amazing asset to the company. He even shows us a picture of her in the book. He then mentions June Ward at Silver Dollar City, but only a sentence. Here is what it reads:
"At Silver Dollar City, It's June Ward, a forty-year employee who runs our chocolate shop and is the 'culture cop.' "
I was a little disappointed that June only got one sentence in the book, AND the fact that it reads "Chocolate Shop." COME ON!!! It's Browns Candy Factory.
The book was a good read, and I learned some things about Joel Manby as CEO of HFE, but the "Chocolate Shop" reference really irritated me. Just thought I would vent it to you all.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: Junior on May 31, 2012, 10:06:56 AM
Well, he is just the CEO, and he works in Atlanta.  ;) I know they have business reasons for having the company headquarters there, but that "chocolate shop" reference is another reason why I think the HQ should be Branson...at SDC. It is the cradle. All things came to pass for the company beginning at Marvel Cave and SDC. Not only should the head people know that, they need to LIVE it to UNDERSTAND it better.
Title: Re: What are you Reading?
Post by: MissinTheGreenTrams on May 31, 2012, 12:24:17 PM
Or we could all collectivly become head honchos and turn back time on the park! Hehehehe