Ok so a bit of catching up to do here, I'll have to dig out some quotes now, lemme see, herm
Ooh, there's quotes from books in my Big Read compilation thing, that'll do. So going backwards from 100
100. "The nose assumed a patriarchal aspect. On my mother it looked noble and a little long-suffering; on my aunt Emerald, snobbish; on my aunt Alia, intellectual; on my uncle Hanif it was the organ of an unsuccessful genius..." - Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie
99. "Geez! Whatever happened to nice Greandmothers, who bake brownies for you and tell you how precious you are? It's just my luck I get one who has tattooed eyeliner and tells me I look like a hooker." - The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot
98. "Dan isn't my boyfriend. OK OK, he's fun. And I have a good time with him. And I can say all sorts of stuff to him. And though he's a hopeless nerd he's also brave. And quick-witted. And imaginative. And it doesn't really matter one hundred percent if he looks stupid." - Girls in Love, Jaqueline Wilson.
Phew - those'll keep me busy for a while!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Frusciante's new music challenge (1 of 3)
So I took up the challenge and trawled HMV for albums that would fit the categories mentioned by legendary guitarist John Frusciante for exploring new music. The music I found wasn't entirely new to me, but most of the songs I haven't heard before and aren't necessarily something I'd buy normally so I think it fits the bill. There was also a "2 for £10" deal on so I restricted myself to that! But I also got the Run DMC greatest hits which was very cool!
So category one was to talk to people who I think are cool, well a significantr number of my close friends who I talk to a lot and who buy maybe a bit more music than I do all are fans of Radiohead. Yuo may be one of those folks who looks aghast and think "you're not?!!" - well then you'll probably get on well with my friends! I'd never had a problem with Radiohead and usually liked it when it was played, but never called myself a fan - and probably still wouldn't, though I am warming to them. However I was always quite critical of the semi-religious fervour attached to this band, but in the interest of challenge I went for it and got myself...
...and I have to say I've enjoyed my purchase. On initial listening I wasn't quite as excited as I'd anticipated being, but I think that was to be expected. The buildup was so great the album had little chance of impressing me on a weary first listening. But a great work holds out and comes through in the end. I'm reminded of when I watched Napoleon Dynamite after hearing people talk about it for months and months - and ending up being dragged through one of the slowest, dullest films I have ever seen as a consequence. Some time later I can see the merit of the film, and the comedy of the character, though I still wouldn't watch it again.
I wouldn't say the same of Radiohead and their album however, of which I have had several pleasant listenings post my first encounter. Familiar tracks like "Just" were enough of a draw for me to give it another a whirl and then I realised I also knew "High and Dry" and several of the guitar riffs were also familiar. I was able to move past preconception and begin to enjoy the music.
What I really love about The Bends is the sheer variety available within their distinct "sound" - while Radiohead are recognised for being abstract and there's plenty of abstract sounds on the album there are also more than enough catchy and enjoyable bits of music that mainstream ears can tune into easily, easing you into the world of the band.
Well my music ignorance is probably driving some Radiohead fan into a fit of rage as we speak so I'll stop there and just say that I bought Radiohead and liked it - that OK?
Word of the post: Discombobulate –verb (used with object)
to confuse or disconcert; upset; frustrate
So category one was to talk to people who I think are cool, well a significantr number of my close friends who I talk to a lot and who buy maybe a bit more music than I do all are fans of Radiohead. Yuo may be one of those folks who looks aghast and think "you're not?!!" - well then you'll probably get on well with my friends! I'd never had a problem with Radiohead and usually liked it when it was played, but never called myself a fan - and probably still wouldn't, though I am warming to them. However I was always quite critical of the semi-religious fervour attached to this band, but in the interest of challenge I went for it and got myself...
...and I have to say I've enjoyed my purchase. On initial listening I wasn't quite as excited as I'd anticipated being, but I think that was to be expected. The buildup was so great the album had little chance of impressing me on a weary first listening. But a great work holds out and comes through in the end. I'm reminded of when I watched Napoleon Dynamite after hearing people talk about it for months and months - and ending up being dragged through one of the slowest, dullest films I have ever seen as a consequence. Some time later I can see the merit of the film, and the comedy of the character, though I still wouldn't watch it again.
I wouldn't say the same of Radiohead and their album however, of which I have had several pleasant listenings post my first encounter. Familiar tracks like "Just" were enough of a draw for me to give it another a whirl and then I realised I also knew "High and Dry" and several of the guitar riffs were also familiar. I was able to move past preconception and begin to enjoy the music.
What I really love about The Bends is the sheer variety available within their distinct "sound" - while Radiohead are recognised for being abstract and there's plenty of abstract sounds on the album there are also more than enough catchy and enjoyable bits of music that mainstream ears can tune into easily, easing you into the world of the band.
Well my music ignorance is probably driving some Radiohead fan into a fit of rage as we speak so I'll stop there and just say that I bought Radiohead and liked it - that OK?
Word of the post: Discombobulate –verb (used with object)
to confuse or disconcert; upset; frustrate
Monday, August 11, 2008
Weekly Quote 09/08/08
I'm detecting a possibly flurry of Simpsons quotes...
"Who made you Judge Judy and executioner?" - Homer Simpson, The Simpsons
"Who made you Judge Judy and executioner?" - Homer Simpson, The Simpsons
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Corporate Rivalry
While it's on my mind I just thought I'd post up some thoughts on advertising in the present day. Ine recent weeks I've noticed that a lot of companies in their ads are making a lot of references to their competitors and how they are better than them.
ASDA are frequently doing this, showing how many 'cheaper' prices Tesco has and then demonstrating how they are cheaper on twice as many products or whatever. Another is Huggies natural fit nappies - which specifically compare themselves to Pampers active fit (possible name/company mix up here) and show how they are better. A recent example is of sports starts causing havoc as they urge men to replace their Mach 5 with a better Gilette Fusion (I've just thought that Mach 5 might be a Gillette product, but it's odd all the same) and so on and so forth.
I'd always thought it some kind of unwritten (or more likely an actual written) law that you could not directly slander or discredit or mention your competitor in advertising your own product and I don't seem to remember any adverts of the kind until recent times. So has there been a change in legislation, have companies just got bolder or has this always been going on under my nose? If you know do drop a comment - I might do some more digging when I've got the time, but while it's puzzling me I figured I'd post it up.
Word of the post: Qwerty –adjective
of or pertaining to a keyboard having the keys in traditional typewriter arrangement, with the letters q, w, e, r, t, and y being the first six of the top row of alphabetic characters, starting from the left side.
ASDA are frequently doing this, showing how many 'cheaper' prices Tesco has and then demonstrating how they are cheaper on twice as many products or whatever. Another is Huggies natural fit nappies - which specifically compare themselves to Pampers active fit (possible name/company mix up here) and show how they are better. A recent example is of sports starts causing havoc as they urge men to replace their Mach 5 with a better Gilette Fusion (I've just thought that Mach 5 might be a Gillette product, but it's odd all the same) and so on and so forth.
I'd always thought it some kind of unwritten (or more likely an actual written) law that you could not directly slander or discredit or mention your competitor in advertising your own product and I don't seem to remember any adverts of the kind until recent times. So has there been a change in legislation, have companies just got bolder or has this always been going on under my nose? If you know do drop a comment - I might do some more digging when I've got the time, but while it's puzzling me I figured I'd post it up.
Word of the post: Qwerty –adjective
of or pertaining to a keyboard having the keys in traditional typewriter arrangement, with the letters q, w, e, r, t, and y being the first six of the top row of alphabetic characters, starting from the left side.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Weekly Quote Double - W/E 02/08/08
Ok, been away and stuff - been exposed to a lot of comics so this one had to go in
"With great power comes great responsibility." - Ben Parker, Spiderman.
and another picked at random.
"Diligence is the mother of good luck" - 16th century proverb
Good stuff, more from me soon I hope
"With great power comes great responsibility." - Ben Parker, Spiderman.
and another picked at random.
"Diligence is the mother of good luck" - 16th century proverb
Good stuff, more from me soon I hope
Monday, July 21, 2008
That was quick!!
I just noticed that Wimbledon has finished, and finished a fair while ago. I find this unusal as I mostly recall Wimbledon starting and several exhausting weeks later we are still only a few sets into the first match...or something like that. As much as I respect and enjoy the sport of tennis and admire the pros who can play with such incredible grace and power I often soon tire of this British institution and it's domination of the media and television in particular.
But this year, and the past year or two as well I think, I've barely noticed it. I've tuned into who'se on top and even watched the odd match (Williams v Williams was a good 'un) but rather than an annoying drag I've found it to be an interesting sporting event that I can tune into occasionally and enjoy. I attribute this to two key television based factors:
1. I don't watch kids TV any more.
Well not much anyway! As an avid viewer of many cartoons and other media "back in the day" it was of great annoyance to have to have a boring never ending sport meeting with endless delays and replacing the joyous animation I'd planned on watching. The fact that tennis matches can technically never end was the most annoying thing as the schedule was pushed back again and again and despaired at having to watch grown up stuff.
2. The Simpsons moved t0 C4.
Pretty much the same reasoning here, as I got somewhat older my main programme was the Simpsons and again to have something I looked forward to replaced because Henman couldn't just face defeat and had to hang on for more agonising sets was just infuriating.
Now, with my TV schedule mostly taking place in the early evening I find myself uninterrupted by tennis, and without it impeding my enjoyment I am able to more enjoy and appreciate genuine athleticism at it's best. So...um...yeah...go Murray!
Word of the post: Squiggle –noun
But this year, and the past year or two as well I think, I've barely noticed it. I've tuned into who'se on top and even watched the odd match (Williams v Williams was a good 'un) but rather than an annoying drag I've found it to be an interesting sporting event that I can tune into occasionally and enjoy. I attribute this to two key television based factors:
1. I don't watch kids TV any more.
Well not much anyway! As an avid viewer of many cartoons and other media "back in the day" it was of great annoyance to have to have a boring never ending sport meeting with endless delays and replacing the joyous animation I'd planned on watching. The fact that tennis matches can technically never end was the most annoying thing as the schedule was pushed back again and again and despaired at having to watch grown up stuff.
2. The Simpsons moved t0 C4.
Pretty much the same reasoning here, as I got somewhat older my main programme was the Simpsons and again to have something I looked forward to replaced because Henman couldn't just face defeat and had to hang on for more agonising sets was just infuriating.
Now, with my TV schedule mostly taking place in the early evening I find myself uninterrupted by tennis, and without it impeding my enjoyment I am able to more enjoy and appreciate genuine athleticism at it's best. So...um...yeah...go Murray!
Word of the post: Squiggle –noun
| 1. | a short, irregular curve or twist, as in writing or drawing. |
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Weekly Quote W/E 19/07/08
One of my favourite song lines of all time, the thirs line is in my opinion one of the best quotes in history, but I'll post up the whole chorus 'cause it too is awesome!
"Red alert! Red alert! It's a catastrophe!
But don't worry, don't panic!
Ain't nothing goin' on but history
But it's alright, don't panic!" - Red Alert, Basement Jaxx
"Red alert! Red alert! It's a catastrophe!
But don't worry, don't panic!
Ain't nothing goin' on but history
But it's alright, don't panic!" - Red Alert, Basement Jaxx
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Weekly Quote 12/07/08
Had this one bouncing around in my brain for a while, couldn't remember where it was from so I looked it up and whaddya know.
"All that is gold does not glitter; not all those who wander are lost." - The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien
"All that is gold does not glitter; not all those who wander are lost." - The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Frusciante's new music challenge (2 of 3)
Well I'm starting to slowly get into finding and indeed parting with cash for music, having bought two albums in a month - quite a shocker for me. DVDs and especially TV series' are my current vice, but I don't have the same urge to risk a few pounds on a CD, especially one that I'm not entirely sure I'll like. But I'm getting a bit better, having bought Coldplay's new album and also the Ting Ting's debut withing a week or two of each other. Both involved some deliberation and pacing up and down the aisle but I got them both and have enjoyed them both.
But that's not quite why I'm posting - I'd hoped to justify one of these purchases by referring to John Frusciante's piece in the sleeve of Red Hot Chili Pepper's greatest hits. As well as reflecting on his time with the band he urges people to try new music, referring to three categories.
1. Asking questions to people you think are cool
2. Finding out who your favourite recording artist themselves like
3. Buying something because you like the cover
I think these are pretty interesting and worth trying. I'll have a go at finding albums which fit them, I'm especially intrigued by the third one and I'll have to have a go at perusing HMV to see if I can find a cool album cover (and one that's cheap!) and maybe a cool person while I'm at it. But for now I'll refer to an album I bought a while back, which just about squeezes into category 2.
Arcade Fire - Funeral
They are a popular band and quite succesful, but when I first encountered them I had no idea who they were. I had just caught the Red Hot Chili Peppers set at Reading festival and was about to switch over when I hear the announcer state that a band were coming on whom RHCP were big fans of, so I decided to stick around and listen, and I really enjoyed what I heard and a few weeks later got myself their first album Funeral and have really enjoyed it.
The album centres around their life in Canada and the difficulty of living in the snow and the cold. The title and the tracks are marked by the fact that many of the family members of the band died during writing and recording. The original material gives the lyrics a unique and meaningful edge and there's also good poetry in them too.
The band produce a powerful sound, augmented by the vocalist, who can producean incredible wailing/shouting sound which captures you rather than the just plain whining which defines so much of "new music" these days. OK, this "review" is already going down the pan, I've only just managed to avoid using "haunting vocals" which seems to come up every time I discuss music - I mean they are haunting but I don't need to say it right?!
My favourite tracks on the album are "Tunnels" and "Power Out" both because they are unashamedly specific as to details in the bandmembers lives, which I like - i've heard about love and stuff enough not to need to hear it again but "kids are swinging from the power lines, nobody's home so nobody minds" - that actually means something. Another favourite is the much quieter "Kettles" which is very poetic, using the old cliche of 'a watched pot never boils' to comment on life and growing older. Lastly "Rebellion" has a very catchy bassline and funky chorus.
I think I'm probably preaching to the converted in talking about this band as a lot of folks know more about them than I do, but nonetheless they are a band well worth checking out if you haven't done so already, though I've heard their second recording "Neon Bible2 isn't as good as the first.
Well I'll be chatting to my friends and perusing music shops for a while, let me know if you've come up with any good finds on the above principles.
Word of the post: Trepidation - noun
But that's not quite why I'm posting - I'd hoped to justify one of these purchases by referring to John Frusciante's piece in the sleeve of Red Hot Chili Pepper's greatest hits. As well as reflecting on his time with the band he urges people to try new music, referring to three categories.
1. Asking questions to people you think are cool
2. Finding out who your favourite recording artist themselves like
3. Buying something because you like the cover
I think these are pretty interesting and worth trying. I'll have a go at finding albums which fit them, I'm especially intrigued by the third one and I'll have to have a go at perusing HMV to see if I can find a cool album cover (and one that's cheap!) and maybe a cool person while I'm at it. But for now I'll refer to an album I bought a while back, which just about squeezes into category 2.
Arcade Fire - FuneralThey are a popular band and quite succesful, but when I first encountered them I had no idea who they were. I had just caught the Red Hot Chili Peppers set at Reading festival and was about to switch over when I hear the announcer state that a band were coming on whom RHCP were big fans of, so I decided to stick around and listen, and I really enjoyed what I heard and a few weeks later got myself their first album Funeral and have really enjoyed it.
The album centres around their life in Canada and the difficulty of living in the snow and the cold. The title and the tracks are marked by the fact that many of the family members of the band died during writing and recording. The original material gives the lyrics a unique and meaningful edge and there's also good poetry in them too.
The band produce a powerful sound, augmented by the vocalist, who can producean incredible wailing/shouting sound which captures you rather than the just plain whining which defines so much of "new music" these days. OK, this "review" is already going down the pan, I've only just managed to avoid using "haunting vocals" which seems to come up every time I discuss music - I mean they are haunting but I don't need to say it right?!
My favourite tracks on the album are "Tunnels" and "Power Out" both because they are unashamedly specific as to details in the bandmembers lives, which I like - i've heard about love and stuff enough not to need to hear it again but "kids are swinging from the power lines, nobody's home so nobody minds" - that actually means something. Another favourite is the much quieter "Kettles" which is very poetic, using the old cliche of 'a watched pot never boils' to comment on life and growing older. Lastly "Rebellion" has a very catchy bassline and funky chorus.
I think I'm probably preaching to the converted in talking about this band as a lot of folks know more about them than I do, but nonetheless they are a band well worth checking out if you haven't done so already, though I've heard their second recording "Neon Bible2 isn't as good as the first.
Well I'll be chatting to my friends and perusing music shops for a while, let me know if you've come up with any good finds on the above principles.
Word of the post: Trepidation - noun
| 1. | tremulous fear, alarm, or agitation; perturbation. |
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Weekly Quote W/E 05/07/08
Sorry folks, been a bit slow the past few weeks - I had a post or two in mind so I'll do my best to bash them out next week, but for now I'll just post up what I think is one of the most memorable and striking quotes of modern times.
"Let's Roll." - Todd Beamer, aboard United Airlines Flight 93, 11 September 2001
"Let's Roll." - Todd Beamer, aboard United Airlines Flight 93, 11 September 2001
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Weekly Quote W/E 28/06/08
Last of the Watchmen ones
"Qui custodiet
ipsos custodes.
- Who watches the watchmen?
- Juvenal, Satires, VI, 347
Quoted as the epigraph of the Tower Commision Report, 1987
"Qui custodiet
ipsos custodes.
- Who watches the watchmen?
- Juvenal, Satires, VI, 347
Quoted as the epigraph of the Tower Commision Report, 1987
Monday, June 23, 2008
Weekly Quote W/E 21/06/08
It would be a stronger world, a stronger loving world, to die in." - John Cale
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Top Ten and thoughts on Music
I've wanted to do this for a bit and as I've got a bit of dead space to fill in I thought I'd post up the present top ten just to see how out of touch I am with current music. While fairly connected to music I tend only to listen to music I've already got an interest in and don't pay much attention to current stuff. As I'm no longer in school or Uni I din't tend to discuss music much and therefore I'm often unaware of current hits. I only really listen to radio in the car, which isn't that often and I only occasionally catch the music channels. I'm also very miserly so I don't often splash out on music unless I feel it's worth getting or it's tried and tested - it was a stretch for me to buy the new Coldplay album today, and that's mainly 'cause I saw the live gig last night! Anyway enough of the bla bla and on to the chart - I'll try to embed videos. Note that I am no music expert and opinions are purely what pops into my head.
10. Heartbreaker - Will.I.Am ft Cheryl Cole
10. Heartbreaker - Will.I.Am ft Cheryl Cole
Monday, June 16, 2008
Weekly Quote Double - W/E 14/06/08
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair!"
- Ozymandias, Percy Bysshe Shelley
Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair!"
- Ozymandias, Percy Bysshe Shelley
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Weekly Quote W/E 07/06/08
"Outside in the distance a wild cat did growl, two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl." - Bob Dylan
Friday, June 06, 2008
More on reading
I just thought I'd plug a nifty little application on Facebook called Visual Bookshelf which is a handy resource for readers on Facebook. You obviously have to have Facebook to use it and the idea is to use it to show off what you're currently reading, what you have stacked away on your shelf and the books you really want to get a hold of to your friends on it. Since I've been doing the same on my blog I've found this a handy resource to share with friends the books I have an interest in.
On the blog I only tend to post once I've finished a number of books so as to make a decent length post. This obviously makes posts few and far between so in the meantime I find Visual Bookshelf a handy way to give up to the minute updates on what I've been reading. If you've found yourself having an unhelpful obsession with wanting people to know about things you're interested in (and you probably do - I mean you have a blog after all don't you?!!) this can be a nice neat way to share with your friends on Facebook.
I deplore most applications on Facebook, thye are generally complete wastes of time and I usually eagerly click ignore when offered a chance to compare what kind of pokemon I'd be with someone I met once on holiday in 2003 or something similar. But this one is neat, tidy and about something worth sharing with friends - great literature. The program uses amazon as a resource so it can find your book and cover quickly so you can visually display your reads on your page. It is of course restricted to what's on amazon, but the selection is pretty big so most books shouldn't dissapoint.
So if you're like me and like telling people about good books you've been reading then I'd check this one out if you're on Facebook.
Word of the post: Quibble –noun
| 1. | an instance of the use of ambiguous, prevaricating, or irrelevant language or arguments to evade a point at issue. |
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Stuff I've forgotten recently (4.3)
Oh yeah - knew I'd left something out, oh well makes for another post doesn't it?!
Analog Magazine, June 2008 edition - Stanley Schmitd
A nice collection of short science fiction writing once again. I got this on import from America in Borders and thought it'd be nice to see what Sci-Fi is up to in modern times. There was also "Asimov's" magazine, but the presence of Sci-Fi big hitter Ben Bova prompted me to get Analog and give it a whirl. There was a very nice and diverse colection of stories from time travel to asteroid mining each one making good and interesting reading. The sciency editorials are a bit over my head, but still interesting to read. With the exception of an immature anti-God poem, the sentiment seems harboured in the magazine a little too often and detracts from the "science based" ethos it seeks to present.
Well there ya go, a bit more from my shelf - enjoy!
Word of the post: Sentient –adjective
Analog Magazine, June 2008 edition - Stanley Schmitd
A nice collection of short science fiction writing once again. I got this on import from America in Borders and thought it'd be nice to see what Sci-Fi is up to in modern times. There was also "Asimov's" magazine, but the presence of Sci-Fi big hitter Ben Bova prompted me to get Analog and give it a whirl. There was a very nice and diverse colection of stories from time travel to asteroid mining each one making good and interesting reading. The sciency editorials are a bit over my head, but still interesting to read. With the exception of an immature anti-God poem, the sentiment seems harboured in the magazine a little too often and detracts from the "science based" ethos it seeks to present.
Well there ya go, a bit more from my shelf - enjoy!
Word of the post: Sentient –adjective
| 1. | having the power of perception by the senses; conscious. |
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Stuff I've read recently 4
Wow! It's been quite a bit of time since my last post, again thanks to slow reading distraction and the epic volume of my "main" book. I've noticed while reading that I tend to split books into three categories "Main" books - usually a classic or some dense work, often non science fiction, which makes it more of a challenge to read. Then there are Christian books which I read for my own benefit more than reading pleasure though I've managed to get into them a bit more recently. However I do sadly tend to view these as more of an obligation than an interest. Lastly there are "incidentals" - books which just get picked up along the way, often graphic novels or Star Wars books which are quick and easy to read alongside a wheightier volume. So so far I've only read one "main book" but I've picked up a few incidentals along the way. I've also got several nearly finished books which can carry on to the next post if I can get my next "main" read before I forget.
Anyway - here goes. I'll start with the Bible and Christian books.
The Bible, God et al
OK I actually lost my Bible so I can't remember where exactly I was up to. In the meantime I've jumped to the new testament and read through John which was encouraging. To read the story of Jesus again is very compelling to read and John's careful eyewitness account and carefully chosen events and miracles to reveal are good reading and thought provoking.
Finding God in Lord of the Rings - Kurt Bruner
A nice cheap little book which I decided to read and it has helped me ease my way into reading Christian material a bit more frequently. Thankfully the authors don't pretend to have some deep insight or knowledge of allegory in the books but rather acknowledged that Tolkien's Christian life influenced his writing and point to useful lessons reflected in the epic tale.
Battles Christians Face - Vaughan Roberts
A very helpful book about the struggles and temptations we can face while living the Christian life. It goes through a number of topics thoughtfully and sensitively providing encouragement while getting the reader to acknowledge the gravity of their own sin. But for each measure of guilt there is the greater reminder of God's grace provided by Jesus and testified to in his word.
OK, onto incidentals now I think...
Star Wars Legacy of the Force: Revelation - Karen Traviss
While not the best of the series this book was pretty good still and a good setup for the finale. The more in depth look at the Mandalorians was good as well as several other familiar faces turning up out of the shadows to join the war. Some nice fleet and Jedi battles in this one as Jacen's nature as Sith Lord is revealed and the rest of the galaxy has to decide once and for all which side they're on.
Watchmen - Alan Moore
Widely regarded as one of the greatest works of the medium of graphic novels this is a great read, dark and gritty as it is compelling. The story of failed superheroes is very poignant and tragic as they seek to find their place in a world that seems darker without them. The murder of one the "Minutemen" a group that went before and inspired the present group sets off a chain of events that challenges every character to face the depths of themselves and face up to what it might mean to truly be a hero.
Gear School - Adam Gallardo
A nice short graphic novel aimed at the younger market. I think it is a fantastic piece of work, not the least blighted by it's younger characters or audience. I think more science fiction for children should be written - it's not an easy task to condense advanced scientific theory to something a younger reader can cope with but this book has triumphed at it. The art, done by a studio in Spain, is incredible the design of buildings and "gears" are unique and excellently drawn.
I've a feeling there was more, and there probably was, but oh well onto the main course I guess.
Rainbow Six - Tom Clancy
A dense volume that explains my absence from posting on of these. I was intrigues by the video game series of the same name and thought I'd buy it just out of interest. It sat there waiting to be read for some time and didn't dissapoint when I finally picked it up. The book features one of Clancy's primary leads John Clark who is now getting on and has been put in charge of an international anti-terrorist organization. Keeping the group under wraps is a challenge but when a spate of terrorist incidents breaks out, and a former KGB agent and a coporation with a dark agenda are thrown into the mix this bunch of strangers may have to get on and quite literally save the world!
Well I'm being called away, hope you enjoyed my brief and cursory insight into the literature I've absorbed not too long ago.
Anyway - here goes. I'll start with the Bible and Christian books.
The Bible, God et al
OK I actually lost my Bible so I can't remember where exactly I was up to. In the meantime I've jumped to the new testament and read through John which was encouraging. To read the story of Jesus again is very compelling to read and John's careful eyewitness account and carefully chosen events and miracles to reveal are good reading and thought provoking.
Finding God in Lord of the Rings - Kurt Bruner
A nice cheap little book which I decided to read and it has helped me ease my way into reading Christian material a bit more frequently. Thankfully the authors don't pretend to have some deep insight or knowledge of allegory in the books but rather acknowledged that Tolkien's Christian life influenced his writing and point to useful lessons reflected in the epic tale.
Battles Christians Face - Vaughan Roberts
A very helpful book about the struggles and temptations we can face while living the Christian life. It goes through a number of topics thoughtfully and sensitively providing encouragement while getting the reader to acknowledge the gravity of their own sin. But for each measure of guilt there is the greater reminder of God's grace provided by Jesus and testified to in his word.
OK, onto incidentals now I think...
Star Wars Legacy of the Force: Revelation - Karen Traviss
While not the best of the series this book was pretty good still and a good setup for the finale. The more in depth look at the Mandalorians was good as well as several other familiar faces turning up out of the shadows to join the war. Some nice fleet and Jedi battles in this one as Jacen's nature as Sith Lord is revealed and the rest of the galaxy has to decide once and for all which side they're on.
Watchmen - Alan Moore
Widely regarded as one of the greatest works of the medium of graphic novels this is a great read, dark and gritty as it is compelling. The story of failed superheroes is very poignant and tragic as they seek to find their place in a world that seems darker without them. The murder of one the "Minutemen" a group that went before and inspired the present group sets off a chain of events that challenges every character to face the depths of themselves and face up to what it might mean to truly be a hero.
Gear School - Adam Gallardo
A nice short graphic novel aimed at the younger market. I think it is a fantastic piece of work, not the least blighted by it's younger characters or audience. I think more science fiction for children should be written - it's not an easy task to condense advanced scientific theory to something a younger reader can cope with but this book has triumphed at it. The art, done by a studio in Spain, is incredible the design of buildings and "gears" are unique and excellently drawn.
I've a feeling there was more, and there probably was, but oh well onto the main course I guess.
Rainbow Six - Tom Clancy
A dense volume that explains my absence from posting on of these. I was intrigues by the video game series of the same name and thought I'd buy it just out of interest. It sat there waiting to be read for some time and didn't dissapoint when I finally picked it up. The book features one of Clancy's primary leads John Clark who is now getting on and has been put in charge of an international anti-terrorist organization. Keeping the group under wraps is a challenge but when a spate of terrorist incidents breaks out, and a former KGB agent and a coporation with a dark agenda are thrown into the mix this bunch of strangers may have to get on and quite literally save the world!
Well I'm being called away, hope you enjoyed my brief and cursory insight into the literature I've absorbed not too long ago.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Weekly Quote W/E 31/05/08
Some hollow philosophy for ya this week
"As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being." - C.G.Jung - Memories, Dreams, Reflections.
"As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being." - C.G.Jung - Memories, Dreams, Reflections.
Friday, May 30, 2008
The Future (未来)
I took another trip to Liverpool today thanks to having half term off. It was nice to once again be in the town and still feeling strangely at home in it.
Anyway, on the train there there were two girls of around GCSE age sitting next to me bemoaning the fact that they had to learn basic Chinese in school, which I found very intriguing. Learning Chinese was unthinkable in my day, my school couldn't (and probably still can't) offer Chinese even if you wanted to do it. In fact since we had compulsory Welsh doing another language such as French say was entirely optional unlike a lot of schools which have a choice of French or Spanish say. I'm glad to see that Welsh has become a bit of a bigger agenda in schools now, though I'm sad to see the additional pressure it puts on teachers who just don't seem to be getting the resources to do it.
Back to the topic, I found Chinese interesting as it reflects the fact that China is growing as an economic and political power and I guess people are preparing for the time when it may one day rival America. If that is the case my generation will be stumped if Chinese becomes more of a trade language. These factors were lost on the benefactors as they couldn't see any particular reason for them to go on holiday to China! I also find it amusing as I am a fan of the TV series Firefly in which the characters frequently switch to Chinese while talking, also in anticipation of China becoming a potential superpower.
Liverpool was nice and this time I got to see more of the shopping area and not just the bar scene as last time. We checked out the new shopping centre in Paradise street and it is, I have to say, awesome! It is a two level area stretching out with walkways crossing across the first floor and connecting to other buildings. The great thing about it was that the shops are all in close proximity like a shopping centre ought to be, but there's also sky above your head and a breeze blowing through so there's none of that nauseating feeling you get after being in a shopping centre too long. The design of the place is fantastic - one of the bridges has a twisting design, but is entirely smooth inside and the two layer concourse is a delight to see. Even the parking is awesome, with a gray floor and black rectangles denoting parking space instead of the boring old white lines. There's plenty more being built with multiple architectural designs around and it looks set to rival even the Trafford Centre. The in-city location is also very convenient. It unfortunately lacks many guy shops, but will hopefully get more accesible stores in sometime soon. In the meantime it's well worth going just to see it.
Word of the post: Transient –adjective
Anyway, on the train there there were two girls of around GCSE age sitting next to me bemoaning the fact that they had to learn basic Chinese in school, which I found very intriguing. Learning Chinese was unthinkable in my day, my school couldn't (and probably still can't) offer Chinese even if you wanted to do it. In fact since we had compulsory Welsh doing another language such as French say was entirely optional unlike a lot of schools which have a choice of French or Spanish say. I'm glad to see that Welsh has become a bit of a bigger agenda in schools now, though I'm sad to see the additional pressure it puts on teachers who just don't seem to be getting the resources to do it.
Back to the topic, I found Chinese interesting as it reflects the fact that China is growing as an economic and political power and I guess people are preparing for the time when it may one day rival America. If that is the case my generation will be stumped if Chinese becomes more of a trade language. These factors were lost on the benefactors as they couldn't see any particular reason for them to go on holiday to China! I also find it amusing as I am a fan of the TV series Firefly in which the characters frequently switch to Chinese while talking, also in anticipation of China becoming a potential superpower.
Liverpool was nice and this time I got to see more of the shopping area and not just the bar scene as last time. We checked out the new shopping centre in Paradise street and it is, I have to say, awesome! It is a two level area stretching out with walkways crossing across the first floor and connecting to other buildings. The great thing about it was that the shops are all in close proximity like a shopping centre ought to be, but there's also sky above your head and a breeze blowing through so there's none of that nauseating feeling you get after being in a shopping centre too long. The design of the place is fantastic - one of the bridges has a twisting design, but is entirely smooth inside and the two layer concourse is a delight to see. Even the parking is awesome, with a gray floor and black rectangles denoting parking space instead of the boring old white lines. There's plenty more being built with multiple architectural designs around and it looks set to rival even the Trafford Centre. The in-city location is also very convenient. It unfortunately lacks many guy shops, but will hopefully get more accesible stores in sometime soon. In the meantime it's well worth going just to see it.
Word of the post: Transient –adjective
| 1. | not lasting, enduring, or permanent; transitory. |
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