Read any good books lately? Any you would recommend or one's you suggest we stay away from?
bookmarkingly,
mr smith
Eplaya Book Review Thread...
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Last Real Burner
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Most recently:
Bringing Down the House
The story of how a group of MIT students took Vegas (as well as a few Indian Casinos) for millions counting cards in black jack. The book details the entire story including their ingenious system, just in case you get the urge to try it yourself. I prefer non-fiction to fiction, and I like stories about Vegas, so if you do, you might enjoy this one.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... 3?v=glance
Bringing Down the House
The story of how a group of MIT students took Vegas (as well as a few Indian Casinos) for millions counting cards in black jack. The book details the entire story including their ingenious system, just in case you get the urge to try it yourself. I prefer non-fiction to fiction, and I like stories about Vegas, so if you do, you might enjoy this one.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... 3?v=glance
A Damned Fine Book
Turning The Wheel by Charles Johnson
Essays On Buddhism And Writing
This book contains some of the best, most thoughtful writing I've ever read. Contrary to the title, this book is about three things: Buddhism, writing, and being a black american. Johnson weaves in and out of these subjects. When he mixes them, he creates some very interesting critical analysis. When he treates them individually, he creates powerful arguments for each, including the single best definition of the eightfold path that I have read to date. I got this book six months ago and I still page through it occasionally.
Essays On Buddhism And Writing
This book contains some of the best, most thoughtful writing I've ever read. Contrary to the title, this book is about three things: Buddhism, writing, and being a black american. Johnson weaves in and out of these subjects. When he mixes them, he creates some very interesting critical analysis. When he treates them individually, he creates powerful arguments for each, including the single best definition of the eightfold path that I have read to date. I got this book six months ago and I still page through it occasionally.
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LeChatNoir
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Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
The inscription from my brother on the inside cover reads: “A Very Important Book cleverly disguised as a bit of fantasy fluff.” After reading it I have to say this sums it up pretty well.
The Way of Chuang Tzu by Thomas Merton
The first work I’ve read by Merton, which actually was a compilation with a well written intro into the translated writings of Tzu. If you are just exploring Tao, you’ll probably like this little work.
The inscription from my brother on the inside cover reads: “A Very Important Book cleverly disguised as a bit of fantasy fluff.” After reading it I have to say this sums it up pretty well.
The Way of Chuang Tzu by Thomas Merton
The first work I’ve read by Merton, which actually was a compilation with a well written intro into the translated writings of Tzu. If you are just exploring Tao, you’ll probably like this little work.
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philosopher
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Lost Christianity, by Jacob Needleman. The best book on Christianity that I can remember reading. And my new favorite Needleman book, of which I have read almost all.
In this book, Needleman chronicles his attempt to recover elements of esoteric Christianity and the universe's responses. Not speculation, not a head trip; Needleman understands how Christian practice can be a way of encountering reality.
I missed two planes because I got so absorbed in it in the middle of a trip and really just couldn't be bothered with my travel schedule at the time. In retrospect, I think I am rather proud of the sense of proportion I exhibited on that occasion. (End of the story: I did finally get on the last plane of the day and thus escaped from transfer purgatory.)[/i]
In this book, Needleman chronicles his attempt to recover elements of esoteric Christianity and the universe's responses. Not speculation, not a head trip; Needleman understands how Christian practice can be a way of encountering reality.
I missed two planes because I got so absorbed in it in the middle of a trip and really just couldn't be bothered with my travel schedule at the time. In retrospect, I think I am rather proud of the sense of proportion I exhibited on that occasion. (End of the story: I did finally get on the last plane of the day and thus escaped from transfer purgatory.)[/i]
"The Big Sky", by A.B. Guthrie. Picked it up by chance to read while serving on jury duty. A historical novel about a young man, Boone Caudill, who becomes a mountain man in the 1830's to 1850's. Very moving, sad, highly recommended. The main character would be termed an antihero nowadays. The author was a Pulitzer Prize winner and the book was written in 1946, way before political correctness. Lots of stuff that more sensitive types would probably find offensive (vegans, for one, would probably break a blood vessel on extolling the virtues of MEAT, MEAT, MEAT above all other foods) but raw, realistic truths throughout.
Also-- FYI, I see that a new book will be coming out in August called "This Is Burning Man: Changing the World Through Art Cars, Bone Towers, Danger Ranger, Smut Shacks, Fire Cannons, Glitter Camp, Fighting Robots, Metal Dragons, and..." Author is Brian Doherty, who is a writer and editor for the libertarian-oriented blog Reason. Should be an interesting take on the event from that perspective. Wonder if he'll be paying any royalties to BMORG....
Also-- FYI, I see that a new book will be coming out in August called "This Is Burning Man: Changing the World Through Art Cars, Bone Towers, Danger Ranger, Smut Shacks, Fire Cannons, Glitter Camp, Fighting Robots, Metal Dragons, and..." Author is Brian Doherty, who is a writer and editor for the libertarian-oriented blog Reason. Should be an interesting take on the event from that perspective. Wonder if he'll be paying any royalties to BMORG....
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Last Real Burner
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Hmmmm....
Wonder what pic he will be using?
desireless minds want to know...
possible,
mr smith
desireless minds want to know...
possible,
mr smith
"Do you know what happened to the boy who got everything he wished for? - He lived happily ever after".
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theCryptofishist
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I've read most of the Discworld books and it's amazing the way he can streatch the basic premise to comment on so much. My favorite are the books featuring Death, probably because his pure cluelessness about human beings so echoes my father the mathimatician/physicist. My sister likes the Granny Weatherwax stories and the take on feminism. I also adore the fake science--he does a real good job on that, too.LaChatNoir wrote:Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
The inscription from my brother on the inside cover reads: “A Very Important Book cleverly disguised as a bit of fantasy fluff.” After reading it I have to say this sums it up pretty well.
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LeChatNoir
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That's the only one of Pratchett’s books I’ve read so far, but I really enjoyed his take on lots of things in life (and beyond). I’ll probably check out some others eventually, but I tend to be somewhat eclectic, perhaps even neurotic, and bounce from book to book. For instance:
The King of the Ferret Leggers (And Other True Stories) by Donald Katz.
Absolutely hysterical and insightful little read compiled of profiles of real people collected by Katz (a journalist). People like Reg Mellor (the “ferret-legging champion of Yorkshire and the world”), Jack Lalanne, Bill Mauldin, and others. Which reminds me of:
Up Front by Bill Mauldin
For those of you who don’t know Mauldin, he was a cartoonist for, among others, “Stars and Stripes” during WWII.. He’s the guy who created Willie and Joe, if you know who I’m talking about. I think this should be read by everybody.
The King of the Ferret Leggers (And Other True Stories) by Donald Katz.
Absolutely hysterical and insightful little read compiled of profiles of real people collected by Katz (a journalist). People like Reg Mellor (the “ferret-legging champion of Yorkshire and the world”), Jack Lalanne, Bill Mauldin, and others. Which reminds me of:
Up Front by Bill Mauldin
For those of you who don’t know Mauldin, he was a cartoonist for, among others, “Stars and Stripes” during WWII.. He’s the guy who created Willie and Joe, if you know who I’m talking about. I think this should be read by everybody.
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cowboyangel
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thanx LeChat... I'll check out Merton...I'm readingLeChatNoir wrote:Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
The inscription from my brother on the inside cover reads: “A Very Important Book cleverly disguised as a bit of fantasy fluff.” After reading it I have to say this sums it up pretty well.
The Way of Chuang Tzu by Thomas Merton
The first work I’ve read by Merton, which actually was a compilation with a well written intro into the translated writings of Tzu. If you are just exploring Tao, you’ll probably like this little work.
"Affordable Hawaii"...thinkin of movin there.......
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believe is false."- William Casey, CIA Director 1981
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cowboyangel
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I just got done reading a stack of free comic books from Free Comic Book Day (July 3rd).
I found Aletnative Comics self titled offering so-so.
About Comics "Wild About Comics" was, on the other hand, fairly entertaining, with their interpretation of Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky a standout. (Maybe I should look for their "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland graphic novel?) About comics also currently has DNAgents, Liberty Project, Crossfire, and Licensable Bear (who, it seems, really wants someone to license him...!)
Image Comics offered up "Summer Special". Since I am still recovering from the Spawn movie from a number of years back, I skipped that story, and went on to the other entrees. Image, having more money, issued a full color comic book, which is often rather pretty. I liked the artwork for First Strike and the writing for Invincilbe. Savage Dragon fell somewhere in between, neither particularly good nor bad, IMO.
"Johnny Raygun Classics" from Jetpack Press was amusing. I wouldn't mind reading some more of Johnny Raygun's adventures.
Dork Storm Press offered "The Best of Dork Storm 2004", featuring Nodwick, Dork Tower, PS238, and Dr. Blink superhero shrink. Nodwick, the adventures of a henchmen and the group he works for, and PS238, a public school for young metahumans, are both written and drawn by Aaron Williams, whose work I particulary like. Both his artwork and sense of humor make me regret that I can't afford to keep up with either of these titles. Dork Tower is John Kovalic's comic book about the lives of gamers, and is frequently entertaining if you are familar with the subculture. I'm really not too familar with Dr. Blink, which is by John Kovalic and Christopher Jones. Its humor style seems to be similar to Dork Tower's, and is, well, about a pyschotherapist for super powered people.
Oni Press offered "The Adventures of Barry Ween Boy Genuis Secret Crisis Origin Files". It gives the background of the title character and his friends, and its humor is similar to that of "The Family Guy" t.v. show (or the "Kindergoth" comic book). In other words, it is really entertaining. I'd like to read more of this title.
Oni Press also gave away "Love Fights #1", which seems to be about the relationships of normal people in a superhero world. The artwork really isn't my favorite style, but there really isn't anything wrong with it, and the writing is pretty good (seems to be about the level of "Box Office Poison".) It could be one to watch.
"Reggie 12" from Highwater Books is about the mis-adventures of a crime fighting robot, and his team members. It is a lot like reading a cartoon show (such as Danger Mouse), and has that level of artwork. I liked it, then again one of the reasons I don't watch television is I am afraid I would waste all of my time watching cartoon shows (instead of wasting it on the internet....)
AdHouse Books gave out "Presenting THE AdHouse Books FREE comic Book Day Comic Book!" I found their book rather strange, and am not certain whether to recommend it or not. I suspect that it would be the kind that people either really like or don't like. It has, for the most part, crudely drawn panels and vague storylines. I am not certain if there are inside jokes I am missing or not....
Anywhere, that's what I have recently read and my (sleep deprived) impressions of 'em!
I found Aletnative Comics self titled offering so-so.
About Comics "Wild About Comics" was, on the other hand, fairly entertaining, with their interpretation of Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky a standout. (Maybe I should look for their "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland graphic novel?) About comics also currently has DNAgents, Liberty Project, Crossfire, and Licensable Bear (who, it seems, really wants someone to license him...!)
Image Comics offered up "Summer Special". Since I am still recovering from the Spawn movie from a number of years back, I skipped that story, and went on to the other entrees. Image, having more money, issued a full color comic book, which is often rather pretty. I liked the artwork for First Strike and the writing for Invincilbe. Savage Dragon fell somewhere in between, neither particularly good nor bad, IMO.
"Johnny Raygun Classics" from Jetpack Press was amusing. I wouldn't mind reading some more of Johnny Raygun's adventures.
Dork Storm Press offered "The Best of Dork Storm 2004", featuring Nodwick, Dork Tower, PS238, and Dr. Blink superhero shrink. Nodwick, the adventures of a henchmen and the group he works for, and PS238, a public school for young metahumans, are both written and drawn by Aaron Williams, whose work I particulary like. Both his artwork and sense of humor make me regret that I can't afford to keep up with either of these titles. Dork Tower is John Kovalic's comic book about the lives of gamers, and is frequently entertaining if you are familar with the subculture. I'm really not too familar with Dr. Blink, which is by John Kovalic and Christopher Jones. Its humor style seems to be similar to Dork Tower's, and is, well, about a pyschotherapist for super powered people.
Oni Press offered "The Adventures of Barry Ween Boy Genuis Secret Crisis Origin Files". It gives the background of the title character and his friends, and its humor is similar to that of "The Family Guy" t.v. show (or the "Kindergoth" comic book). In other words, it is really entertaining. I'd like to read more of this title.
Oni Press also gave away "Love Fights #1", which seems to be about the relationships of normal people in a superhero world. The artwork really isn't my favorite style, but there really isn't anything wrong with it, and the writing is pretty good (seems to be about the level of "Box Office Poison".) It could be one to watch.
"Reggie 12" from Highwater Books is about the mis-adventures of a crime fighting robot, and his team members. It is a lot like reading a cartoon show (such as Danger Mouse), and has that level of artwork. I liked it, then again one of the reasons I don't watch television is I am afraid I would waste all of my time watching cartoon shows (instead of wasting it on the internet....)
AdHouse Books gave out "Presenting THE AdHouse Books FREE comic Book Day Comic Book!" I found their book rather strange, and am not certain whether to recommend it or not. I suspect that it would be the kind that people either really like or don't like. It has, for the most part, crudely drawn panels and vague storylines. I am not certain if there are inside jokes I am missing or not....
Anywhere, that's what I have recently read and my (sleep deprived) impressions of 'em!
"Nothing is withheld from us which we have conceived to do.
Do things that have never been done."
--Russell Kirsch
Do things that have never been done."
--Russell Kirsch
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DVD Burner
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cowboyangel
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cowboyangel
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The Dancing Wu-Li Masters, a cool book that deals with physics, quantum mechanics and zen,
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson, THE best cyberpunk book I've read to date, which simultaneously thrilled and pissed me off (I would have loved to have written this book, and now when I eventually get the time to write mine I will be accused of copying his style. Sigh. I think I'll just say "So?" when accused...).
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson, THE best cyberpunk book I've read to date, which simultaneously thrilled and pissed me off (I would have loved to have written this book, and now when I eventually get the time to write mine I will be accused of copying his style. Sigh. I think I'll just say "So?" when accused...).
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sputnik
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Two books:
Just finished a novel by Carl Hiassen called Skinny Dip. Pretty good read. Set in modern day Miami. Man murders wife, but something isn't right.
Working on The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. Actually a number of us in my group are working through this book, at various rates of success. I just started and find the daily morning writing chore just that, a chore. I think that this part of the routine is aimed more at writers (which Ms Cameron is).
Just finished a novel by Carl Hiassen called Skinny Dip. Pretty good read. Set in modern day Miami. Man murders wife, but something isn't right.
Working on The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. Actually a number of us in my group are working through this book, at various rates of success. I just started and find the daily morning writing chore just that, a chore. I think that this part of the routine is aimed more at writers (which Ms Cameron is).
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theCryptofishist
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cowboyangel
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http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... 04-2024950
this is good medicine...real good medicine if you have the guts.......
this is good medicine...real good medicine if you have the guts.......
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believe is false."- William Casey, CIA Director 1981
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Rian Jackson
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I adore Neal Stephenson. Snow Crash was my intro to him... i used to listen to it on tape driving between Seattle and Portland.Force wrote:The Dancing Wu-Li Masters, a cool book that deals with physics, quantum mechanics and zen,
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson, THE best cyberpunk book I've read to date, which simultaneously thrilled and pissed me off (I would have loved to have written this book, and now when I eventually get the time to write mine I will be accused of copying his style. Sigh. I think I'll just say "So?" when accused...).
Very good choice, Force.
Finished Refusenik! There's a lot of stuff I'd love to post here but I didn't bring it. Some very good words that people often don't expect from nationalist Israelis.
surlier than thou