NEXT | Blog

Meet Ricky

I really don’t have a long or tedious biography. I was born, read books, had the shortest Tee Ball career in history, read more books, and went to college where I got a degree in reading books.

Here at thisisNext.org I’m responsible for a diverse range of tasks I sum up in my official title: “Words and things.” I make the Webzine and Blog happen every month and leave typos on the other Next webpages for people to find.

I also serve as a pastoral intern at Cross of Grace Church in El Paso, TX where I get the ridiculous privilege of going to church six days a week. In November I married Jenn—the best girl in the world. Jenn and I love shopping at Savers, listening to NPR, eating international foods, and dreaming about buying Mountain Bikes.

If you’ve got a comment or suggestion about the website let me know at ricky-at-newattitude.org. If you have a really mean comment please e-mail me at someone-at-somewhere.

By Ricky Alcantar February 4, 2009 10 Comments

Brian Whalen Wed Feb 4, 2009 at 11:03 am

I have a really mean comment.

But I’m not going to say it.

So as someone who has read so many books, what’s your favorite?

Ricky Alcantar Wed Feb 4, 2009 at 11:26 am

I applaud your restraint Brian.

My favorite book ever is the Bible. Duh.

Ricky Alcantar Wed Feb 4, 2009 at 11:33 am

But…other than the Bible I think my all time favorite might be A Tale of Two Cities by Dickens. I’ve got a soft spot for Dickens. Sure he’s wordy but the thing I love about him is that he was ridiculously popular in his day AND his work means something several generations later. Usually most authors have to pick one or the other. We’re on a first name basis and I usually refer to him as “Chuck.”

This year I’ve enjoyed reading: Flags of Our Fathers, The Road, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Some Novel Involving Hercule Poirot, A Handful of Hemingway Short Stories, and Make It Stick. I’m sure I enjoyed reading others too but I can’t quite remember their names right now.

dre Wed Feb 4, 2009 at 2:43 pm

happy birthday ricky!

Paul Medler Wed Feb 4, 2009 at 3:05 pm

It’s such a joy to be working with you, Ricky. When living out West it was such a joy to know your parents and see the huge contribution they have made to the church there over the years. And now their son is stepping up to the plate! I so appreciate you, your gifts, your work ethic, your joy, and your humble servant heart. You are my hero. I want to be like you when I grow up.

Patrick Shindo Thu Feb 5, 2009 at 9:02 pm

Haha I enjoyed that bio! We need to make it a point to go to the bike shop so i can give you advice…

Luz Galusha-Luna Fri Feb 6, 2009 at 11:25 am

So, if Ira Flatow and and Ira Glass got into a fight, who do you think would win?

Ricky Alcantar Fri Feb 6, 2009 at 3:48 pm

If it’s a quick fight I’m going with Ira Glass. Those horn-rimmed glasses just seem menacing. He’d stare into his opponent’s soul and interview it to tears.

But if Ira Flatow had time I’m sure he’d build a robot or something. This quote from his bio: ““I was the proverbial kid who spent hours in the basement experimenting with electronic gizmos” Geez. Is that insidious or what? And they let him talk to kids on the radio…

lisa wilkins Thu Feb 12, 2009 at 12:34 am

Ricky you are an amazing young man and we are so blessed to have you at Cross of Grace. Your wife Jenn so rocks!!! I will loan you our mountain bikes if you want.

Tom Wilkins Mon Feb 16, 2009 at 12:01 am

Ricky, I think you should know a few things. One… my personal thankfulness to God for your friendship. Two… on behalf of the great saints at Cross of Grace, thank you for your hard work in this “dearest place on earth.” Three… I join you in your amazement concerning the joy of serving this church every day of the week. Four… our mountain bikes that are available to borrow are models that we purchased from Sears and Walmart about 10 years ago.