The Teachers & Students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School

Last week I had a big speaking day with over 400 students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School in Oceanside, California. It was a blast! I'm always amazed by the insightful and from-the-heart questions I get from the students. MLK was no exception. They were great! Hats off to the Language Arts teachers. With so many students and the doubling-up of classes, there were no problems at all. That's so amazing because they do this EVERY DAY!!! Wow! Special thanks to Angela Miller, Ken Fraser, Julie Smith, Doris Nyman, Gaylene Gray & Linda Hosaka for a fun day!

Women with Words and Wine

I had a fun evening with the Women with Words and Wine Book Club, January 25, 2009. The Club members have a lot of interest in writing their own stories. I hope they pursue it. Everyone there was well-read and I'm sure very capable of some really good work. Go for it, ladies!!

Oceanside Library Talk

I had a fun event at Oceanside Library on January 21, 2009 arranged by Franklin Escobedo, The Young Adult Service Librarain. I enjoyed all great feedback from the students, and the food was good, too. :) Thanks, Franklin.

HAVE A MERRY "GAMADIN" CHRISTMAS!!

May all your presents be the coolest books to read . . .

Father Mike Straley

I visited another good friend of mine, college fraternity bro and Lakewood alum like myself, Father Mike Straley, while on my recent book tour through Arizona. The last time I saw Father Mike he was in Flagstaff.  Now he is in Phoenix.  Father Mike has been doing some pretty heroic things for youths who got a little side-tracked. Miracles some would say.  He's been fighting Dakadudes for years and is a Gamadin for sure.  I gave him a case of Gamadin books for the kids in his diocese to enjoy.  Take care, Father Mike. It was great seeing you again. 

 

Alpine Pizza, Flagstaff, AZ

You don't have to go to New York or Italy for great pizza. If you're passing through Flagstaff, stop by Alpine Pizza at 7 N. Leroux St. right in the middle of downtown Flag. Since 1973 owner and good friend, Danny Rich, has been putting out an awesome pizza. I stopped by just before Thanksgiving for a Gamadin meet & greet bash. It was great fun.  Thanks, Danny!!

Ancient Rome by Google

I've always been facinated by ancient Rome, it's history, it's politics, it's effect on the forming of Western Civilization. The HBO series Rome is a historically accurate and rich glimpse into that past. The series is available on DVD and is well worth seeing. There are many good books, too. The last one I read, and highly recommend is Augustus: The Life of Rome's First Emperor by Anthony Everitt. What's amazing about this book, as you're reading you'll discover how much the governing class has not changed in 2,000 years. Even back then they were taxing the rich to support the Empire and its handouts just like today. As you're watching or reading about ancient Rome, Google has put together a 3D walk through the ancient city that restores Rome to its once former glory. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqMXIRwQniA