Category Archives: Books

Disconnections on Steroids

Posted on June 17, 2017 by John Swinburn

I spent time this evening trying to create some semblance of order to some of the short fiction I’ve written, including a number of pieces I’ve posted here. My objective is to collect pieces that might reasonably be said to … Continue reading →

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By the Book

Posted on March 6, 2017 by John Swinburn

Visits to libraries frequently result in serendipitous discoveries. Such was the case a few days ago when my wife and I stopped at the Garland County Library to retrieve a few books she had requested by inter-library loan. While she … Continue reading →

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Who Will Read, and How?

Posted on November 9, 2015 by John Swinburn

This morning, I read a report on  technology device ownership in 2015; it is published by the Pew Research Center and based on the Center’s research. If their data on changes in device ownership can be relied upon as forecast tool, smart … Continue reading →

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Life Through Poetry

Posted on July 16, 2015 by John Swinburn

Last night, we went to Kollective Coffee in downtown Hot Springs. The primary purpose was for me to meet with a woman to discuss the possibility of her speaking to our local writers’ group. But, since I was going to … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Poetry | 1 Comment

The Breakfast Project

Posted on February 24, 2015 by John Swinburn

I have gathered basic information about common breakfasts in sixty-two countries.  I am now beginning the process of checking whether the information I’ve gathered is legitimate (most of it came from the internet, though some from my own experience).  I … Continue reading →

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Other Inquisitions

Posted on November 9, 2014 by John Swinburn

If I had a copy, I’d begin re-reading Other Inquisitions today. I enjoyed reading a bit of the work of Jorge Luis Borges in the long-ago past, but it’s been so long that I remember very little of it.  I may not … Continue reading →

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Library Surprise

Posted on October 18, 2014 by John Swinburn

Both of us got Garland County library cards yesterday. As I talked to the guy who handled the process of getting a card for me (a different person took care of JB), my appreciation for the library increased.  It is … Continue reading →

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My Little Black Book

Posted on September 21, 2013 by John Swinburn

A couple of years ago, during a visit to the Boston area to spend time with my wife’s sister, we stopped by a branch library in the heart of the downtown area.  A book sale was in progress; I guess … Continue reading →

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The Death of Libraries

Posted on September 13, 2013 by John Swinburn

Many of us take libraries for granted.  We think they always will be there.  Always.  Whether we frequent them or not, whether we support them or not, whether we defend them or not, libraries always will be there. Would that … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Libraries, Third Place | 4 Comments

Christian Nation

Posted on August 8, 2013 by John Swinburn

A friend of mine who shares many of my attitudes about religion suggested to me recently that I read a book, a novel, she had just started reading.  She suggested I would find it interesting, but she warned me that … Continue reading →

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The Pope’s Children

Posted on July 23, 2013 by John Swinburn

I had an interesting conversation with one of my brothers last night.  He told me about a book he has just started to read, entitled The Pope’s Children: Irish Economic Triumph and the Rise of Ireland’s New Elite. My brother, … Continue reading →

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House Repairs and Indian Slums

Posted on May 22, 2013 by John Swinburn

Week before last, I had the broken ceiling joist above the garage repaired. In the process, pieces of sheet rock broke off, leaving gaping holes and cracks in the garage ceiling. So, today, I have guys in to replace the … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Change, Moving | 3 Comments