Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Filed under: books

Why the Kindle beats printed books

Kindle

The Kindle is king. 

Well, at least it's coronation is eminent, in my opinion. After receiving a Kindle for Christmas, I'm already finding many reasons why this e-book reader is superior to the printed page. As an avid reader for many decades, I can already see many advantages to using the Kindle versus my hundreds of printed books. Here are a few:

Size Matters. The wafer-thin Kindle is perfect when reading larger books. While reading the print version of David Copperfield, I found it hard to hold the thick book, especially while reading on the couch or in bed at night. No problem with the Kindle. I can read it comfortably anywhere I find myself.

The Word is Flat. One problem with print books is that as you read closer to the spine, the page curves in, making it harder to read. The Kindle's flat edge ensures I won't strain to miss a letter.

I Can Have it All. The Kindle's huge storage capabilities allows me to have hundreds, if not thousands, of books in one device. I can read novels, short stories, poems or whatever suits me without having to go upstairs and sift through my bookshelf.

Easy to Sample. Amazon makes it easy to send sample chapters of any book to my device so I can browse books instantly. Previously, I was using Google Books to do that and still will use it when I find myself at my computer. But this beats loading up, getting in the car and going to the bookstore, although I will still go to the brick and mortar, though a lot less frequently.

Free is Cool. I love to read the classics and many of them are free on Amazon. If they're not free, they are a lot less expensive, such as the entire works of Charles Dickens for $3. Unbeatable!

I'll still read the printed books I own but I'll be hard-pressed to buy a printed book again, unless it's not available in a Kindle edition or it has great artwork or graphics. I will still visit used bookstores where I can trade in my unused printed books. 

What I did today to fight cancer

Having battled cancer (lymphoma) nearly all of last year and coming out of remission in May of this year, I'm determined to do what I can to fight cancer. When I asked my oncologist what I could do to prevent the cancer from coming back, he said there's nothing I can do. Well, that's actually debatable.

The New York Times bestseller, Anticancer: A New Way of Life, may not present a cure but there is ample evidence to suggest that there are things we can do to fight cancer. Based mainly on his book, here's what I've done today (and will continue to do) to fight against cancer. (I'm currently in remission and hope to remain so!)

1. Had multiple cups of green tea. Even the American Cancer Society talks about green tea and possible benefits, although not 100% conclusive. I get my green tea direct from Japan from O-Cha and I current drink matcha green tea.

2. Ate tumeric (mixed with black pepper). I even had a friend who went to M.D. Anderson and they gave him tumeric tablets. But, according to the book I cited above, it must be mixed with black pepper. Once again, even the American Cancer Society says it has "demonstrated some anticancer effects." 

3. Ate cooked tomatoes. Despite a "thumbs down" vote from the FDA, the American Cancer Society recommends eating tomatoes

4. I haven't exercised yet but I did yesterday and will again today. Keeping physically fit to me almost seems without question. Is there anyone who would say that exercising is of no use? Here's at least one summary that wraps it up.

5. I choose not to be stressed out. This is a hard one but I simple have to choose not to be stressed out as a reaction to situations. It's difficult but I believe my faith in God makes the difference. Because I believe in Jesus, I have full confidence that whatever happens to me, ultimately I know God loves me and that heaven is my ultimate destination. Learn more here.

Also, just bought some fresh produce, specifically brussel sprouts, broccoli, and other fresh veggies. Don't forget the garlic! 

Warning: Do Not Read These Books

In The Bible, people who believed in Jesus were drastically changed. Their lives were never the same again. They left their jobs to follow him, they renounced their previous ways of living. They gave all they had to help others -- literally. In Acts, people were selling their possessions and giving them to those in need as one community. One couple tried to hold back some of the profits they got from a land sale and lied about it to the Christian leaders. They dropped dead on the spot!

Most Christians, and I include myself, want to live comfortable lives, taking few chances and really not taking time to live out what The Bible says. We spend more time trying to be successful in our jobs than we do living for God. We spend more time pursuing hobbies than we do pursuing God.

But these three books give us the plumb line that keeps us straight in line with a true Christian life. Read them if you dare.

"God is love. Crazy, relentless, all-powerful love. Have you ever wondered if we’re missing it? It’s crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe—the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor—loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss. Whether you’ve verbalized it yet or not...we all know somethings wrong. Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo?"

"You have a plan for the rest of your life. God has a plan for the rest of your life. Are they the same? You have expectations for how your life will play out, and you hope those plans will become realities. But what if God's plan for your life is far different from what you had in mind? Can you accept that? Will you surrender your goals for God's?"

"It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily...."