Dear Reader,

Have you discovered the joys of podcasts? The rising popularity of podcasting excites me because it shows that our society is not only interested in flashy images, but in unadaulterated words, as well. And Frodo's Notebook is not anything if it is not in the business of words. What is podcasting, you ask? The short answer is: talk radio that is automatically downloaded from the Internet to your computer in installments. For a longer answer, I direct your attention to Wikipedia.org's entry on podcasting.

My favorite podcast is one dedicated specifically to words. It is called The Word Nerds and is produced by three teachers who love words. I encourage you to check out TheWord Nerds at their website, TheWordNerds.org. And I encourage you to give their show a listen, not only because they appreciate words and language, but because, as middle and high school teachers, they appreciate teenagers, as well. A few weeks ago, in their show, one of the word nerds referred to the "passion and immediacy" of teenagers' emotions as a "great thing." I couldn't agree more, and I commented on their webpage to let them know that. Adults are certainly capable of experiencing intense emotion, but when we are young, all emotions are intense. Some people regard this intensity and immediacy as something that is best grown out of quickly. While I recognize that it is important to mature in our understanding and control of our emotions as we grow up, I also know that without the passionate, vital emotions of youth, Frodo's Notebook could not exist. It is those emotions that are the seeds of much of the fine writing that is submitted to us every day.

This issue comes a month later than planned, but that is OK, because it puts us on a schedule closer to the seasons for which our issues are intended. It also allows us to present some great pieces to you, pieces that had not yet been submitted to us a month ago.

I have said in the past that, though Frodo's Notebook is an entity unto itself, it could not exist without real people, and it is about real people that I want to talk to you now. This quarter's book review is written by Karin Hoffer. Karin is a guest contributor to Frodo's Notebook, and she is also my fiancée. Karin and I will be married on the eighth of October, and I wanted to share my excitement with you. On a sadder note, I must make mention of the devastation in the southern United States, caused by Hurricane Katrina. The thoughts and prayers of the Frodo's Notebook staff go out to the victims of this terrible storm. To our readers and contributors in the places ravaged by Katrina, we wish you all the best in reconstructing your damaged lives, and I encourage you not to neglect the power of the written word to help the healing process.

As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this issue of Frodo's Notebook. Please, email me with your thoughts, questions, comments, concerns, and musings. It is a joy to hear from our readers, and it is only with your feedback that we can improve. Thank you for reading.

Sincerely,

Timothy Rezendes
Managing Editor
Frodo's Notebook
webmaster@frodosnotebook.com