Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Will You Join Me?

Since graduating from College a couple of years ago, I’ve grown to miss the classroom. It provided for me a place of education - a space in which learning and learned minds alike could formulate and verbalize thoughts and ideas. It is to this academic arena that I owe an eternal debt of gratitude. It provided me with an environment in which I was able to develop a great deal of my thought processes and current perspectives on the world. This blog is an attempt to find a similar space, all-be-it a virtual one in which I can share thoughts and ideas about topics ranging from politics, to health, to current news with anyone who is willing to listen and comment.

I am not an expert on anything (just ask my wife), and I don’t claim to be. Consequently there is a very good chance that a number of my postings will contain inaccuracies, and may be in need of some correction – hence you and the intention of this venture! Please feel free to join in on any discussion that takes place here and share your insights into any given topic. The purpose of this blog is not to find an absolute answer to questions raised or thoughts posted, but rather to share viewpoints and ideas in the pursuit of further enlightenment and the development of personal opinions.

I’ve recently started reading a book entitled “A Place of my Own: The Education of an Amateur Builder” in which the author, Michael Pollan yearns for, and constructs a place (a one-roomed “cabin" in the woods behind his home) in which he can view his day-to-day life from an alternate perspective. In this space he is able to concentrate (or not) on reading, writing, daydreaming… essentially learning. My wish is, with the “construction” of this blog to create a Place of OUR Own in which we can aspire to similar ideals. What do you say… are you with me?

PS – Michael Pollan seems to have some worthwhile books out there dealing with the current state of food in the US. I’ve put a couple of them on hold at our local library. Anyone heard of him before or read any of his stuff? He also has some really interesting articles on his website.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am quite familiar with Michael Pollan. He is a professor of journalism here at UC Berkeley. I read The Omnivores Dilemma and like it a lot. I have not yet got in to see him yet. He is very busy as am I, but it is certainly on my list of things to do. I think I will wait until I have business with him lest I come across as another sycophant and not actually engage with him. Should I get the occasion I will surely comment on it. I think it is essential to find that place of “our own.” The place that allows for reflection, changes in perspective, “desenchufación.”

Spiresfam said...

Great to have you aboard Ted. As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Kirstin said...

I have never heard of Michael Pollan, but I am always looking for a new book or author. I don't know what I can add to your discusions however I love a free exhange of thoughts. I'm excited to hear what's on your mind. Is it possible to suggest topics?

Spiresfam said...

For sure, Kirstin - you can suggest anything you want.
That book didn't turn out to be too exciting, but I just started another one of his, and it looks like it's going to be a good one. I'm going to post something on it here shortly.