I haven't read a ton about WW II, and most of what I have read to this point has been about the war in Europe. I'd recommend this book as a good starting place for folks interested in the Pacific war, though I suppose some that are more well read on the subject might disagree.
Richard Tregaskis was a war correspondent for INS when he landed on Guadalcanal with the US Marines in August, 1942. He stayed on "That f*cking Island," as the Marines called it, for the next seven weeks and witnessed most of the pivotal action in the battle to secure Guadalcanal and it's strategically important airfield.
Tregaskis explores many episodes of the Guadalcanal Campaign in great detail, including the initial landing, securing the airfield, expeditions to villages on Guadal and the neighboring islands where Japanese forces were holed up, a Japanese counter invasion that attempted to push the lines back across the Tenaru River, and the climactic Battle of Bloody Ridge. It's all there, and it puts you right in the middle of the action.
Tregaskis was an historian as well as a journalist, and this lends not only a very well written and detailed account of his time on the island, but one gets the feeling that Tregaskis knew he was in the middle of history unfolding and was documenting it as best as he could. The narrative is both emotional at times, and at other times very clinical. One thing is sure however, when you're done reading this book, you'll feel like you were right alongside him witnessing the Marines in action on Guadalcanal.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Book Thoughts: "The Strain," by Del Toro and Hogan
This is, without a doubt, the creepiest, scariest, most horrific book I have ever read. I mean that in a very good way. This novel will literally make the hair on your neck stand up.
Del Toro and Hogan use their wild imaginations to put a scientific explanation behind the vampire legends. In their world, vampires are actually made through a parasitic virus that takes over the human form. The virus is brought to New York City on an international flight from Germany. Despite the efforts of our heroes: two CDC doctors, an professor who happens to be a holocaust survivor, and a Rambo like exterminator, the vampire virus spreads through Manhattan in just a few days, leading to a final encounter worthy of inclusion in any "Castlevania" game.
Despite putting a science behind vampirism, the legends are still there. There's silver bullets, silver swords, beheadings, crosses, holy water, and garlic. Some of these work, others don't. The authors also incorporate the Stoker traits of vampires not crossing moving water and frying in the sun. Ultimately the story is very imaginative and the characters leap off the page at you from the get go. One of my favorite reads in a long time.
If you just loved Twilight, you'll probably hate this book. It's destined to cure you of your love of vampires. These vamps aren't beautiful and charming, they're horrifying, scary, and out for your blood!
Del Toro and Hogan use their wild imaginations to put a scientific explanation behind the vampire legends. In their world, vampires are actually made through a parasitic virus that takes over the human form. The virus is brought to New York City on an international flight from Germany. Despite the efforts of our heroes: two CDC doctors, an professor who happens to be a holocaust survivor, and a Rambo like exterminator, the vampire virus spreads through Manhattan in just a few days, leading to a final encounter worthy of inclusion in any "Castlevania" game.
Despite putting a science behind vampirism, the legends are still there. There's silver bullets, silver swords, beheadings, crosses, holy water, and garlic. Some of these work, others don't. The authors also incorporate the Stoker traits of vampires not crossing moving water and frying in the sun. Ultimately the story is very imaginative and the characters leap off the page at you from the get go. One of my favorite reads in a long time.
If you just loved Twilight, you'll probably hate this book. It's destined to cure you of your love of vampires. These vamps aren't beautiful and charming, they're horrifying, scary, and out for your blood!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Book Thoughts: "The Confession" by John Grisham
Let me start out by saying this: being a huge Grisham fan, I think this is the best book he's written, and probably the most important. I think it must have taken a lot of courage for Grisham to write a book like this and put it out there in a climate as polarized as ours is right now, but it's a voice that deserves to be heard on an issue that is as important as life and death.
The main characters are a Lutheran Minister and a convicted sex offender. Odd pairing? Absolutely. However, the foil between the two is great and the trip through the minister's head and his thoughts as the story progresses is fascinating. The sex offender, just out on parole and dying with a brain tumor, limps into the pastor's office one morning and confesses to the rape and murder of a 17 year old Texas girl. The police in Texas arrested and convicted another man in the case, based totally off of a coerced confession. In this fascinating tale, the minister and the sex offender race against time and the well oiled Texas Capital punishment system to stop the pending execution of the innocent man, only 4 days away.
The story will leave you breathless, and at times it was so poignant that it drove me to tears.
Many of you will not like the slant this book takes. Grisham's own views on the death penalty, already widely known, are laid out crystal clear, and this will bother some people. He leaves you no wiggle room at all. In fact, if you are a die hard supporter of the death penalty, this book is likely to make you severely uncomfortable. He also paints our public officials in a very unpleasant light, particularly prosecutors and DAs, who have the sole authority in our system to determine who gets charged for what crime and how severe the charges will be. It is a position of awesome power. Others that he chastises along the way are politicians who go totally off of pole numbers, crooked cops who care more for convictions than truth, and right wing cable and AM radio talking heads who care more for their hair style and ratings than for the truth.
This book will confront you with a question: Do you think the Unites States has ever executed an innocent man or woman? If you don't think we have, you might want to do more research into the topic, because I promise you we have. With all the executions carried out over the years, no reasonable person would suggest that we've never killed the wrong guy. If you do think we've executed an innocent person or two, how does that make you feel? An innocent person being dead while a killer walks the streets? How many innocent people should have to die to maintain our system of capital punishment? Should we look the other way?
This book will ask all of these questions and more.
The main characters are a Lutheran Minister and a convicted sex offender. Odd pairing? Absolutely. However, the foil between the two is great and the trip through the minister's head and his thoughts as the story progresses is fascinating. The sex offender, just out on parole and dying with a brain tumor, limps into the pastor's office one morning and confesses to the rape and murder of a 17 year old Texas girl. The police in Texas arrested and convicted another man in the case, based totally off of a coerced confession. In this fascinating tale, the minister and the sex offender race against time and the well oiled Texas Capital punishment system to stop the pending execution of the innocent man, only 4 days away.
The story will leave you breathless, and at times it was so poignant that it drove me to tears.
Many of you will not like the slant this book takes. Grisham's own views on the death penalty, already widely known, are laid out crystal clear, and this will bother some people. He leaves you no wiggle room at all. In fact, if you are a die hard supporter of the death penalty, this book is likely to make you severely uncomfortable. He also paints our public officials in a very unpleasant light, particularly prosecutors and DAs, who have the sole authority in our system to determine who gets charged for what crime and how severe the charges will be. It is a position of awesome power. Others that he chastises along the way are politicians who go totally off of pole numbers, crooked cops who care more for convictions than truth, and right wing cable and AM radio talking heads who care more for their hair style and ratings than for the truth.
This book will confront you with a question: Do you think the Unites States has ever executed an innocent man or woman? If you don't think we have, you might want to do more research into the topic, because I promise you we have. With all the executions carried out over the years, no reasonable person would suggest that we've never killed the wrong guy. If you do think we've executed an innocent person or two, how does that make you feel? An innocent person being dead while a killer walks the streets? How many innocent people should have to die to maintain our system of capital punishment? Should we look the other way?
This book will ask all of these questions and more.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Book thoughts: "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins.
For this book, take all of the themes explored in the first two, all of the action, and ratchet it up about ten notches. All in all, a very astonishing and complex book. Brutal is also a good word.
The book brings a completion to the Hunger Games trilogy, and the story of Katniss Everdeen and the rebellion of the outlying districts against the power of The Capital. All I can say is, if you're looking for a "happy ending" you might not find it, depending on your definition of "happy ending." I will say though, that ending totally fits the themes developed through the books.
The allusions to the Roman Empire and it's epic excess and indulgence in violence are continued. Collins also exposes the horrors of war, so that even someone who thinks the undertaking of their war is just would have to sit up and look at the consequences.
Finally, the book provides a powerful message that despite who you think might be standing up for what's good and right, be careful, because most people also have their own agenda that they are promoting right along side these "moral views."
In the end, the whole series was thought provoking and I think everybody in America today should give it a read. These should become some of the most influential books of our time.
I'll be posting some more thoughts on this later.
The book brings a completion to the Hunger Games trilogy, and the story of Katniss Everdeen and the rebellion of the outlying districts against the power of The Capital. All I can say is, if you're looking for a "happy ending" you might not find it, depending on your definition of "happy ending." I will say though, that ending totally fits the themes developed through the books.
The allusions to the Roman Empire and it's epic excess and indulgence in violence are continued. Collins also exposes the horrors of war, so that even someone who thinks the undertaking of their war is just would have to sit up and look at the consequences.
Finally, the book provides a powerful message that despite who you think might be standing up for what's good and right, be careful, because most people also have their own agenda that they are promoting right along side these "moral views."
In the end, the whole series was thought provoking and I think everybody in America today should give it a read. These should become some of the most influential books of our time.
I'll be posting some more thoughts on this later.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Spirit Day 2010--Gay bullying.
Time I did something else with my blog again except write about books. The issue of gay bullying and suicide is of particular interest to me for three reasons. First, growing up in the midst of a very conservative culture, I've heard the things people say about gay people and gay teens. Second, with my background in mental health, I want to see us pursue remedies for these kids, I want to see them get help. Finally, with my background in forensics, I've seen these suicide scenes first hand. I've seen what the families go through, I've seen what the investigators go through. It is all very sad and unnerving.
So what is this all about, and why all the attention being paid to it now? Well, you'd have to be living under a rock to have escaped mention of the recent story involving the gay student from Rutgers who committed suicide after his roommate put a hidden camera in his dorm room and broadcast his private moments on the internet. That coupled with several high profile stories involving teen suicide in general has focused attention on the issue.
Lets cut to the chase here. It's difficult to be a teenager, period. We've all been there, some had it worse than others. Personally, I had it pretty easy. I would get negative reactions once in awhile because my religion was different than that of most of the local population here in Utah, but it was never severe enough to call bullying. However, I did get to feel what it was like to be different than everybody else, and I even had a choice as to what faith to follow.
Presuming most of the folks who read this are straight, I'd like to ask you to put yourself in position of a gay or lesbian teenager these days. Put aside your religious beliefs on whether homosexuality is right, wrong, or whatever. That isn't the point here. For these kids, it's not something they really chose to do. Period. Believe what you want, but a great many of these kids don't feel that way. So how do they cope with the situation. Well, they can go ahead and come out, and risk the ridicule of their peers, which is surely heavy. I'm sure homosexuality is better accepted today than it was when I was a kid, but it's far from generally accepted. In the teenage years driven by hormones, there are definite consequences to coming out, and even the most staunch religious person can see that.
What if they decide not to risk it? So they keep this all pent up inside their heads. Maybe they think something like: "If I can just get through High School, it will get better." Hopefully it will, but these kids that keep this pent up inside them have to deal with it everyday of their lives. Everyday they go out into their social circles and have to deny who they really are. Hopefully, many kids will find someone they can trust to help them out and talk to them. However, what if they do talk, and someone finds out? Can you imagine the chagrin? It's one thing to encourage kids not to be ashamed of who they are, but to put the idea into practice is hard enough when you're an adult, let alone as a teenager.
I don't think it would be real difficult to think why these kids choose the permanent way out.
So what do we do about it? First, we all need to check our "moral compass" at the door sometimes. Yes, in the USA, you have every right to believe that homosexuality is wrong. Many of you do, and you have your reasons. I don't, and I have mine. Again, that's not what this is about though. Yes, you have the right to your belief. However, you don't have the right to treat other people like dirt because of your belief. You don't have the right to be hurtful to other human beings, or allow your kids to be hurtful to others.
We would all be better off if we stopped considering the divisions between us as humans. Like it or not, whether Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Atheist, or whatever...whether we're white, black, or whatever color...whether you're straight, gay, bisexual, transgender...we are all HUMAN BEINGS. We all deserve the right to live our lives and love who we love. We deserve the right to be free from ridicule about who we are. We are all, every single one of us, worthy of love.
Look around next time you're at work or out and about. Look over a large group of people and I pretty much guarantee at least one of them will be gay, and you won't know it. Most likely someone in your church is gay. Someone in your own family might even be gay. Shouldn't we all just be kind to each other?
If you are a Christian, I'd remind you of this: The words of Jesus as recorded in the Bible don't really waste anytime on homosexuality, but he does some up his ministry and law by citing two commandments:
"Love the Lord with all your heart, and the second is like it, Love your neighbor as you love yourself."
Can't we set aside the big list of things the ancient book says you're not supposed to do for a little while and just see each other as worth while human beings in the here and now? There's another thought in that book that people lose sight of. "Judge not, lest you be also judged." If there is a god, face it, he made gay people, so if there's going be someone to sit in judgment, let it be him.
In the meantime, let's try to make this world a better place for everybody.
It will get better.
So what is this all about, and why all the attention being paid to it now? Well, you'd have to be living under a rock to have escaped mention of the recent story involving the gay student from Rutgers who committed suicide after his roommate put a hidden camera in his dorm room and broadcast his private moments on the internet. That coupled with several high profile stories involving teen suicide in general has focused attention on the issue.
Lets cut to the chase here. It's difficult to be a teenager, period. We've all been there, some had it worse than others. Personally, I had it pretty easy. I would get negative reactions once in awhile because my religion was different than that of most of the local population here in Utah, but it was never severe enough to call bullying. However, I did get to feel what it was like to be different than everybody else, and I even had a choice as to what faith to follow.
Presuming most of the folks who read this are straight, I'd like to ask you to put yourself in position of a gay or lesbian teenager these days. Put aside your religious beliefs on whether homosexuality is right, wrong, or whatever. That isn't the point here. For these kids, it's not something they really chose to do. Period. Believe what you want, but a great many of these kids don't feel that way. So how do they cope with the situation. Well, they can go ahead and come out, and risk the ridicule of their peers, which is surely heavy. I'm sure homosexuality is better accepted today than it was when I was a kid, but it's far from generally accepted. In the teenage years driven by hormones, there are definite consequences to coming out, and even the most staunch religious person can see that.
What if they decide not to risk it? So they keep this all pent up inside their heads. Maybe they think something like: "If I can just get through High School, it will get better." Hopefully it will, but these kids that keep this pent up inside them have to deal with it everyday of their lives. Everyday they go out into their social circles and have to deny who they really are. Hopefully, many kids will find someone they can trust to help them out and talk to them. However, what if they do talk, and someone finds out? Can you imagine the chagrin? It's one thing to encourage kids not to be ashamed of who they are, but to put the idea into practice is hard enough when you're an adult, let alone as a teenager.
I don't think it would be real difficult to think why these kids choose the permanent way out.
So what do we do about it? First, we all need to check our "moral compass" at the door sometimes. Yes, in the USA, you have every right to believe that homosexuality is wrong. Many of you do, and you have your reasons. I don't, and I have mine. Again, that's not what this is about though. Yes, you have the right to your belief. However, you don't have the right to treat other people like dirt because of your belief. You don't have the right to be hurtful to other human beings, or allow your kids to be hurtful to others.
We would all be better off if we stopped considering the divisions between us as humans. Like it or not, whether Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Atheist, or whatever...whether we're white, black, or whatever color...whether you're straight, gay, bisexual, transgender...we are all HUMAN BEINGS. We all deserve the right to live our lives and love who we love. We deserve the right to be free from ridicule about who we are. We are all, every single one of us, worthy of love.
Look around next time you're at work or out and about. Look over a large group of people and I pretty much guarantee at least one of them will be gay, and you won't know it. Most likely someone in your church is gay. Someone in your own family might even be gay. Shouldn't we all just be kind to each other?
If you are a Christian, I'd remind you of this: The words of Jesus as recorded in the Bible don't really waste anytime on homosexuality, but he does some up his ministry and law by citing two commandments:
"Love the Lord with all your heart, and the second is like it, Love your neighbor as you love yourself."
Can't we set aside the big list of things the ancient book says you're not supposed to do for a little while and just see each other as worth while human beings in the here and now? There's another thought in that book that people lose sight of. "Judge not, lest you be also judged." If there is a god, face it, he made gay people, so if there's going be someone to sit in judgment, let it be him.
In the meantime, let's try to make this world a better place for everybody.
It will get better.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Book Thoughts: "The Hunger Games," by Suzanne Collins
I've had a couple of people prodding me to read this series, and I thought the premise sounded interesting so I gave it a shot.
Glad I did.
At the risk of perhaps reading too much into the book, I think it could really work on several levels. On the surface, it's a young adult book that reads quickly like a young adult book, along the lines of Harry Potter. It's the story of a young girl, Katniss, who finds herself thrust into a gladiator like reality show setting in a future North America, where the government has collapsed and power has been consolidated into a single Capital city that rules the outlying districts with an iron fist. Katniss is unwittingly paired with a boy from her district, who serves as a great foil for Katniss and her somewhat "Survivorman" like character. The book doesn't contain a ton of characterization, instead opting for pace and movement in the story, but the eventual pairing of these two almost polar opposite characters is a master stroke, creating a lot of tension and a lot of genuinely touching moments throughout the story.
On to some of the perhaps more latent themes. The book is awash with appropriate allusions to the Roman Empire: games, spears, gold, excess, ruthless violence, imperial rule, even the names of many characters smack of Rome. It's a nice touch that does a good job adding atmosphere to the story.
Which begs this question: Seeing how the story takes place in a future version of our country, does Collins see us heading that way, toward Rome? Is the book a commentary on our society's thirst for "reality" competitions, in which emotions are laid bare for all to see and direct inter-personal conflict is encouraged for entertainment value? Is it a comment on the climate of fear instilled in us over the last 10 years from our government? Does the story have something to say about the overwhelming tsunami of violence that our culture often immerses us in? Watch a hockey game, and the crowd cheers when a fight breaks out. An auto race, heck, everybody loves a fireball like crash. We overdose on evening crime dramas and cop shows, where the only way to raise the ratings bar is to try to shock the audience even more.
I think the story does have something to say about these issues, and it's a fascinating analysis to think through. In the end, part of the beauty of Literature is that each reader can decide for his or herself. However, I would like to say that even though this is a "young adult" book, the themes explored here are varied and deep. Loss, love, abandonment, fueled by characters that have actual rational thought behind them, unlike the useless waste of trees and ink that is the horrid angsty teen sob story bathed in lust called the "Twilight Saga." The Hunger Games has much more to offer any reader, young or old.
I look forward to the next two books sitting on my shelf.
Glad I did.
At the risk of perhaps reading too much into the book, I think it could really work on several levels. On the surface, it's a young adult book that reads quickly like a young adult book, along the lines of Harry Potter. It's the story of a young girl, Katniss, who finds herself thrust into a gladiator like reality show setting in a future North America, where the government has collapsed and power has been consolidated into a single Capital city that rules the outlying districts with an iron fist. Katniss is unwittingly paired with a boy from her district, who serves as a great foil for Katniss and her somewhat "Survivorman" like character. The book doesn't contain a ton of characterization, instead opting for pace and movement in the story, but the eventual pairing of these two almost polar opposite characters is a master stroke, creating a lot of tension and a lot of genuinely touching moments throughout the story.
On to some of the perhaps more latent themes. The book is awash with appropriate allusions to the Roman Empire: games, spears, gold, excess, ruthless violence, imperial rule, even the names of many characters smack of Rome. It's a nice touch that does a good job adding atmosphere to the story.
Which begs this question: Seeing how the story takes place in a future version of our country, does Collins see us heading that way, toward Rome? Is the book a commentary on our society's thirst for "reality" competitions, in which emotions are laid bare for all to see and direct inter-personal conflict is encouraged for entertainment value? Is it a comment on the climate of fear instilled in us over the last 10 years from our government? Does the story have something to say about the overwhelming tsunami of violence that our culture often immerses us in? Watch a hockey game, and the crowd cheers when a fight breaks out. An auto race, heck, everybody loves a fireball like crash. We overdose on evening crime dramas and cop shows, where the only way to raise the ratings bar is to try to shock the audience even more.
I think the story does have something to say about these issues, and it's a fascinating analysis to think through. In the end, part of the beauty of Literature is that each reader can decide for his or herself. However, I would like to say that even though this is a "young adult" book, the themes explored here are varied and deep. Loss, love, abandonment, fueled by characters that have actual rational thought behind them, unlike the useless waste of trees and ink that is the horrid angsty teen sob story bathed in lust called the "Twilight Saga." The Hunger Games has much more to offer any reader, young or old.
I look forward to the next two books sitting on my shelf.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Book Thoughts: "The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution" by Richard Dawkins
Another first rate book from Richard Dawkins. Some fans of "The God Delusion" might be a bit taken aback by this book, as Dawkins doesn't plunge into the issue of whether there is a God or not for the most part. However his wit and his pen are as sharp as ever, as he minces no words for advocates of "Intelligent Design" theory. In particular, Dawkins laments the fact that in certain places in the world, the obviously false "theory" on the origins of life is being taught more and more in schools.
To that end, Dawkins seeks to lay out the best evidence he can for the Theory of Evolution, by Natural Selection. He spends the opening of the book defining "theory." In this case, the "theory" of evolution is only a theory in the same sense as the "heliocentric theory of the solar system" or the "germ theory of disease." Nobody really argues with these other "theories."
Throughout the book, Dawkins takes an entire chapter to discuss different types of evidence for evolution. These include, but are not limited to: comparative biology, molecular genetics, the fossil record, geological distribution and barriers, embryology, and anatomy. He also spends a chapter on "evolutionary clocks" explaining and defending how scientists have arrived at the current estimation of the age of the earth at 4.6 billion years, as opposed to six to ten thousand years, as suggested by creationists.
If you actually read through the book, I don't see how you could argue with what much of Dawkins brings up. When there are weak points in his arguments, he generally addresses them to the satisfaction of any reader with as much as a high school science education.
All in all, the book is enjoyable and not dry at all. It has several sections with beautiful color plates that supplement the narrative really well. Dawkins doesn't necessarily assume that the reader has a high school science education, but a rudimentary knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics will greatly enhance the book.
In the end, it's a pretty much unimpeachable case for the validity of Darwinian evolution. Sorry, Kirk Cameron.
To that end, Dawkins seeks to lay out the best evidence he can for the Theory of Evolution, by Natural Selection. He spends the opening of the book defining "theory." In this case, the "theory" of evolution is only a theory in the same sense as the "heliocentric theory of the solar system" or the "germ theory of disease." Nobody really argues with these other "theories."
Throughout the book, Dawkins takes an entire chapter to discuss different types of evidence for evolution. These include, but are not limited to: comparative biology, molecular genetics, the fossil record, geological distribution and barriers, embryology, and anatomy. He also spends a chapter on "evolutionary clocks" explaining and defending how scientists have arrived at the current estimation of the age of the earth at 4.6 billion years, as opposed to six to ten thousand years, as suggested by creationists.
If you actually read through the book, I don't see how you could argue with what much of Dawkins brings up. When there are weak points in his arguments, he generally addresses them to the satisfaction of any reader with as much as a high school science education.
All in all, the book is enjoyable and not dry at all. It has several sections with beautiful color plates that supplement the narrative really well. Dawkins doesn't necessarily assume that the reader has a high school science education, but a rudimentary knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics will greatly enhance the book.
In the end, it's a pretty much unimpeachable case for the validity of Darwinian evolution. Sorry, Kirk Cameron.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Book Thoughts: "Angel Time" by Anne Rice
Well, this book was certainly a step up for me in regards to Rice's "Christ the Lord..." books. In a way, it's vintage Anne Rice. Her characteristic historical narration and wonderfully descriptive prose are back in full force here, and it's good to see.
I was little cautious about this book from the get go, because I was afraid Rice would get too preachy, and she almost does in a couple of places. Honestly, there are a couple of real gag me moments early on in the book if you're not a real religious person, plus, not being raised Catholic, I had a bit of a tough time with some of her allusions and imagery, which probably wouldn't be an issue to Catholics.
Honestly though, the idea of the story is interesting and executed very well. The main character is a hit man, who as a child wanted to be a priest, but never capitalized on that due to a series of unfortunate things in his life, and he becomes a killer for hire. After his latest "assignment" an angel appears to him and offers to give him another chance to do something good with his life and help others. He's then whisked away to medieval England and dropped right into the conflicts between the Jews and Christians of the day. The result is entertaining and a decent read.
The book took a little while to really get warmed up, and I almost lost my patience with it. I'm glad I hung in there though, for Rice fans, it's a worthy read. I would, however, submit that there is room to criticize the book as a rehashing of The Vampire Lestat in a Christian setting, which is a little weird. Still, it will be interesting to see where she takes the rest of the series.
I was little cautious about this book from the get go, because I was afraid Rice would get too preachy, and she almost does in a couple of places. Honestly, there are a couple of real gag me moments early on in the book if you're not a real religious person, plus, not being raised Catholic, I had a bit of a tough time with some of her allusions and imagery, which probably wouldn't be an issue to Catholics.
Honestly though, the idea of the story is interesting and executed very well. The main character is a hit man, who as a child wanted to be a priest, but never capitalized on that due to a series of unfortunate things in his life, and he becomes a killer for hire. After his latest "assignment" an angel appears to him and offers to give him another chance to do something good with his life and help others. He's then whisked away to medieval England and dropped right into the conflicts between the Jews and Christians of the day. The result is entertaining and a decent read.
The book took a little while to really get warmed up, and I almost lost my patience with it. I'm glad I hung in there though, for Rice fans, it's a worthy read. I would, however, submit that there is room to criticize the book as a rehashing of The Vampire Lestat in a Christian setting, which is a little weird. Still, it will be interesting to see where she takes the rest of the series.
Book Thoughts: "Letter to a Christian Nation" by Sam Harris
Dawkins is Scientific, Hitchens is journalistic. Sam Harris writes his arguments against God in a simple, well thought out letter format. Whether you're religious or not, you should read this book. It will make you think. I doubt it's really going to change anyone's mind, but it at least ought to get you thinking about the belief system so many of us cling to.
One area Harris spends a lot of time on is the "moral authority" of the Bible. He in fact points out more than one scripture in both the old and new testaments that explicitly promotes the practice of slavery, something any civilized person in this day and age would say is both horrible and wrong.
Harris begs to confront you with the question: Either the Bible is the perfect word of a divine being or it isn't. There's no in between. Maybe you don't think it's that black and white, but if more people would actually think about that question, our world might be a totally different place today, considering how much of a prescription for our society we find in the "good book."
One area Harris spends a lot of time on is the "moral authority" of the Bible. He in fact points out more than one scripture in both the old and new testaments that explicitly promotes the practice of slavery, something any civilized person in this day and age would say is both horrible and wrong.
Harris begs to confront you with the question: Either the Bible is the perfect word of a divine being or it isn't. There's no in between. Maybe you don't think it's that black and white, but if more people would actually think about that question, our world might be a totally different place today, considering how much of a prescription for our society we find in the "good book."
Friday, September 3, 2010
Book Thoughts: "The Book of the Dead," by Preston and Child
This book was definitely worth the read, finished the last 2/3 of it in about an hour. It was just one of those books that gets a hold on you and doesn't let go. I just couldn't stop until I knew how everything turned out.
I've actually had this book on my shelf for quite a while, but I was unimpressed by the book that came before it in the Pendergast Trilogy, "Dance of Death." There was just way too much going on in that book, though the ending dove-tailed together quite well. In "The Book of the Dead," Preston and Child do a wonderful job of bringing the arch of all that story and info from the previous novel into a wonderful and thrilling conclusion.
All of Preston and Child's usual characters are on the scene, including Agent Pendergast, Vinne D'Agosta, Nora Kelly, Smithback, Margo Green, just to name a few, and they all have their part to play in this story. I love the way these guys use their characters.
The best thing about the book though is the pacing. Most of the chapters are short, which gives the reader a sense of progress, but not so short as to only a be a paragraph or two, which is what a lot of thriller writers do these days. Also, the action is totally spread throughout the book, never a dull a moment. Finally, the story is predictable when the authors want it to be, but not when they want to spring the twists and turns.
All in all, great book, read it. You should especially read it if you're a fan of thrillers and adventure stories, mixed with just a touch of cop drama. However, you should at least read "Dance of Death" first, and you should probably start with "Brimstone" and read the whole trilogy.
I've actually had this book on my shelf for quite a while, but I was unimpressed by the book that came before it in the Pendergast Trilogy, "Dance of Death." There was just way too much going on in that book, though the ending dove-tailed together quite well. In "The Book of the Dead," Preston and Child do a wonderful job of bringing the arch of all that story and info from the previous novel into a wonderful and thrilling conclusion.
All of Preston and Child's usual characters are on the scene, including Agent Pendergast, Vinne D'Agosta, Nora Kelly, Smithback, Margo Green, just to name a few, and they all have their part to play in this story. I love the way these guys use their characters.
The best thing about the book though is the pacing. Most of the chapters are short, which gives the reader a sense of progress, but not so short as to only a be a paragraph or two, which is what a lot of thriller writers do these days. Also, the action is totally spread throughout the book, never a dull a moment. Finally, the story is predictable when the authors want it to be, but not when they want to spring the twists and turns.
All in all, great book, read it. You should especially read it if you're a fan of thrillers and adventure stories, mixed with just a touch of cop drama. However, you should at least read "Dance of Death" first, and you should probably start with "Brimstone" and read the whole trilogy.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Book Thoughts: "The Scions of Shannara" by Terry Brooks
Not sure what to really say about this book. I'm certainly not an avid fantasy reader, but I have read quite a bit of it, and in the end, this book just seems to be a bit average.
I wouldn't say the book is poorly written by any stretch, Brooks sense of action and pace gets better throughout the Shannara series, and you can tell his style is getting even more refined. However, this book lacked any punch with it's characters. They're just the same basic characters that showed up in "Sword of Shannara," just with different names. Some might see it as stability, I see it as boring and keeps me from growing to care for the characters. There's just no diversity, and in the worse instances, it's down right annoying.
Of course Brooks is far from the only person writing in the fantasy genre that's guilty of this. Many avid fantasy readers trace everything back to "Lord of the Rings," and those parallels exist so strongly in the Shannara books that Brooks has taken a lot of heat for it. Still, the same can be said of other great fantasy authors such as David Eddings. Indeed, Tolkein wasn't original in his work either, borrowing much from the myths he so loved. After all, in the final analysis, you can trace most stories and characters back to an archetype, I just wish Brooks would change it up a bit.
Still, fantasy readers should enjoy the book on the whole, just don't expect any resolution at the end.
I wouldn't say the book is poorly written by any stretch, Brooks sense of action and pace gets better throughout the Shannara series, and you can tell his style is getting even more refined. However, this book lacked any punch with it's characters. They're just the same basic characters that showed up in "Sword of Shannara," just with different names. Some might see it as stability, I see it as boring and keeps me from growing to care for the characters. There's just no diversity, and in the worse instances, it's down right annoying.
Of course Brooks is far from the only person writing in the fantasy genre that's guilty of this. Many avid fantasy readers trace everything back to "Lord of the Rings," and those parallels exist so strongly in the Shannara books that Brooks has taken a lot of heat for it. Still, the same can be said of other great fantasy authors such as David Eddings. Indeed, Tolkein wasn't original in his work either, borrowing much from the myths he so loved. After all, in the final analysis, you can trace most stories and characters back to an archetype, I just wish Brooks would change it up a bit.
Still, fantasy readers should enjoy the book on the whole, just don't expect any resolution at the end.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Book Thoughts: "Hurricane Watch" by Bob Sheets and Jack Williams
Great book with great info that should be read by anyone who is interested in the history and science of tropical cyclones. It contains extensive chapters on the various historical eras since hurricane records have been kept, as well some pretty heavy scientific chapters on topics such as hurricane recon flights as well as computer modeling.
The only draw back to this book is that it's a bit outdated now, covering only the period ending in 2000. However, it's interesting to look back now and see the author's warnings about future US hurricanes reflected in names we now know like Katrina, Rita, and Ike.
I would love to see a supplement or new edition to this book with info on recent storm seasons, still, it deserves a respected place on the shelf of anyone interested in tropical weather.
The only draw back to this book is that it's a bit outdated now, covering only the period ending in 2000. However, it's interesting to look back now and see the author's warnings about future US hurricanes reflected in names we now know like Katrina, Rita, and Ike.
I would love to see a supplement or new edition to this book with info on recent storm seasons, still, it deserves a respected place on the shelf of anyone interested in tropical weather.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Book Thoughts: "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck
First off, let me say, this could be the greatest book I've ever read, and I can totally see how it has influenced so many people.
The book follows the Joad family in an almost biblical exodus from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression. The Dust bowl has destroyed the Joads crops, and defaulting on their loans, they head for California and the promise of high pay and steady work. What they find is quite a different story. The book has a lot to say on both power of corporations and organized labor. While the labor movement doesn't actually win the day in the book, Steinbeck's view is obviously that it will.
Similar to "East of Eden," there's a ton going on this novel with characters, symbols and plot. My favorite character is the Preacher, Jim Casy. To delve into his character, just look at his initials. Of course, Stienbeck's style is very accessible as well, which ultimately brought this book and this story to the common man. Every American should read this book.
The book really resonated with me because of the strong advocacy of organized labor and commentary on corporate greed and exploitation. I feel very strongly about these subjects. For every CEO in this country that makes millions of dollars, there are hundreds of thousands of people working under him doing the grunt work: building the cars, flipping the burgers, producing the software, selling the towels, running the registers, cleaning the bathrooms, etc. These workers are the people that make this country run, not the CEOs. These workers are also the people getting screwed over again in this economy, the worst situation since Steinbeck penned this novel. The CEOs get millions in bonuses for running the company into the ground, while the worker hits the unemployment line. The banks get bailouts, the workers have to watch congress fight over whether to continue their measly unemployment benefits. It's all very mixed up.
Do yourself a favor. Read this book. Enjoy it as a good story, but pay attention. Pay attention to what Steinbeck is saying. You may not like it. When it first came out, liberals and conservatives alike denounced him as a communist and called this book propaganda. I can see why, it has a lot to say.
"...and in the eyes of the hungry there is a growing wrath. In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage."
--Chapter 25.
The book follows the Joad family in an almost biblical exodus from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression. The Dust bowl has destroyed the Joads crops, and defaulting on their loans, they head for California and the promise of high pay and steady work. What they find is quite a different story. The book has a lot to say on both power of corporations and organized labor. While the labor movement doesn't actually win the day in the book, Steinbeck's view is obviously that it will.
Similar to "East of Eden," there's a ton going on this novel with characters, symbols and plot. My favorite character is the Preacher, Jim Casy. To delve into his character, just look at his initials. Of course, Stienbeck's style is very accessible as well, which ultimately brought this book and this story to the common man. Every American should read this book.
The book really resonated with me because of the strong advocacy of organized labor and commentary on corporate greed and exploitation. I feel very strongly about these subjects. For every CEO in this country that makes millions of dollars, there are hundreds of thousands of people working under him doing the grunt work: building the cars, flipping the burgers, producing the software, selling the towels, running the registers, cleaning the bathrooms, etc. These workers are the people that make this country run, not the CEOs. These workers are also the people getting screwed over again in this economy, the worst situation since Steinbeck penned this novel. The CEOs get millions in bonuses for running the company into the ground, while the worker hits the unemployment line. The banks get bailouts, the workers have to watch congress fight over whether to continue their measly unemployment benefits. It's all very mixed up.
Do yourself a favor. Read this book. Enjoy it as a good story, but pay attention. Pay attention to what Steinbeck is saying. You may not like it. When it first came out, liberals and conservatives alike denounced him as a communist and called this book propaganda. I can see why, it has a lot to say.
"...and in the eyes of the hungry there is a growing wrath. In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage."
--Chapter 25.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Book Thoughts: "Roar of the Heavens" by Stefan Bechtel
"Roar of the Heavens" is an account of Hurricane Camille, the second strongest hurricane to ever strike the United States. She hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast on August 17, 1969, making landfall as a Cat 5 hurricane, packing winds of 200 mph.
The book itself is divided into two parts. The first deals with Camille's strike on the Gulf Coast, the second deals with her run in with Nelson County, VA, a couple of days later where she dumped what may have been a world record amount of rain on a tiny rural area, exacting a toll about equal to her damage on the Gulf.
I've always been interested in hurricanes and tropical meteorology, so it was the the first part of the book that interested me the most and led me to order it. I wasn't disappointed either. Bechtel does a great job of telling the story of Camille's landfall on the gulf. It's very descriptive and very emotional, without being overly dramatic or cheesy, as some disaster stories are. Many accounts of Camille revolve around the supposed "hurricane party" that took place in the Richelieu apartments. and Bechtel does treat it, but he tells the story of the whole area through the perspective of several gulf coast residents, which just adds layers and depth.
The second part tells of Camille raining out over Nelson County, VA on August 19. I was a little skeptical at first because my main interest was in the Gulf Coast strike, but I was pleasantly surprised. This has been called a "once in a thousand years" event, where perhaps 31 inches of rain was dumped on a small area of rural VA in less than 8 hours, killing upwards of 150 people. This part of the story was equally as compelling, although he used so many different people's stories and recollections, it was a bit difficult to keep straight at times.
I rated this book as three stars and not four for three reasons. First, there some fairly noticeable editing issues, with misspellings and words left out, though it didn't detract horribly from the story. Second, Bechtel goes out of his way to put the storm in historical context with the late 1960s, and he goes a little too far. This results in several rather windy passages (pun intended) about Woodstock, which is alright, but I wasn't reading a book about Woodstock. One mention would have accomplished what he was going for. Finally, the writing itself started to struggle toward the end of the second part, with certain words starting to pop up over and over again in descriptions. I got tired of reading about things being "bucolic." There was even an exact quote used two different times, explaining the same situation, just a few pages apart, and that stuck out like a sore thumb.
The end result is a good read though, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys casual reading about hurricanes and accounts of natural disasters. Not a masterpiece but a satisfying and enjoyable read.
The book itself is divided into two parts. The first deals with Camille's strike on the Gulf Coast, the second deals with her run in with Nelson County, VA, a couple of days later where she dumped what may have been a world record amount of rain on a tiny rural area, exacting a toll about equal to her damage on the Gulf.
I've always been interested in hurricanes and tropical meteorology, so it was the the first part of the book that interested me the most and led me to order it. I wasn't disappointed either. Bechtel does a great job of telling the story of Camille's landfall on the gulf. It's very descriptive and very emotional, without being overly dramatic or cheesy, as some disaster stories are. Many accounts of Camille revolve around the supposed "hurricane party" that took place in the Richelieu apartments. and Bechtel does treat it, but he tells the story of the whole area through the perspective of several gulf coast residents, which just adds layers and depth.
The second part tells of Camille raining out over Nelson County, VA on August 19. I was a little skeptical at first because my main interest was in the Gulf Coast strike, but I was pleasantly surprised. This has been called a "once in a thousand years" event, where perhaps 31 inches of rain was dumped on a small area of rural VA in less than 8 hours, killing upwards of 150 people. This part of the story was equally as compelling, although he used so many different people's stories and recollections, it was a bit difficult to keep straight at times.
I rated this book as three stars and not four for three reasons. First, there some fairly noticeable editing issues, with misspellings and words left out, though it didn't detract horribly from the story. Second, Bechtel goes out of his way to put the storm in historical context with the late 1960s, and he goes a little too far. This results in several rather windy passages (pun intended) about Woodstock, which is alright, but I wasn't reading a book about Woodstock. One mention would have accomplished what he was going for. Finally, the writing itself started to struggle toward the end of the second part, with certain words starting to pop up over and over again in descriptions. I got tired of reading about things being "bucolic." There was even an exact quote used two different times, explaining the same situation, just a few pages apart, and that stuck out like a sore thumb.
The end result is a good read though, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys casual reading about hurricanes and accounts of natural disasters. Not a masterpiece but a satisfying and enjoyable read.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Book Thoughts: "The Doomsday Key" by James Rollins
Okay, so I have to give this book a little bit of a knock. Unfortunately, despite the trademark action and break neck pace that finally makes it's appearance in the second half of the novel, the first two hundred or so pages were painfully slow, except for a motorcycle chase through Rome. It just seems like it took so long for James to get his pieces all into place, and the pacing over the first half of the book suffered.
Now I WILL say this: Once I got past that, I read the last half of the book or so in one sitting. It's also nice to see Painter back in action a bit.
The book is pretty standard for Rollins, and that's not a bad thing. He blends science, history, and action altogether in a way many authors couldn't dream of doing. I can't say too much without giving it away, but the plot of this novel revolves around the world food supply and population control, and it's very thought provoking.
It's not the best of the Sigma series, but stick with it. Get through the first couple hundred pages and the pieces finally move, and the twist at the end could hold interesting possibilities for future Sigma novels.
Now I WILL say this: Once I got past that, I read the last half of the book or so in one sitting. It's also nice to see Painter back in action a bit.
The book is pretty standard for Rollins, and that's not a bad thing. He blends science, history, and action altogether in a way many authors couldn't dream of doing. I can't say too much without giving it away, but the plot of this novel revolves around the world food supply and population control, and it's very thought provoking.
It's not the best of the Sigma series, but stick with it. Get through the first couple hundred pages and the pieces finally move, and the twist at the end could hold interesting possibilities for future Sigma novels.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Book Thoughts: "How to Read Literature Like a Professor," by Thomas C. Foster
I don't fancy myself a beginning reader by any stretch, but hey, I haven't had a lit class in 14 years, and despite the fact that I read a lot, I often wonder, "Does that mean something?" or "Can it really mean that?"
Foster takes up those questions and more in this highly entertaining volume. it's not dry, it's very witty with a lot of humor, and he doesn't talk down to the reader at all. If he did, it would defeat the purpose of the book.
I would suggest this book to anyone, beginner or not, who would like a quick, easy to read, no nonsense guide to reading literature, or anything for that matter. Check it out.
Foster takes up those questions and more in this highly entertaining volume. it's not dry, it's very witty with a lot of humor, and he doesn't talk down to the reader at all. If he did, it would defeat the purpose of the book.
I would suggest this book to anyone, beginner or not, who would like a quick, easy to read, no nonsense guide to reading literature, or anything for that matter. Check it out.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Book Thoughts: "The Last Oracle" by James Rollins
Every time I finish a James Rollins novel, I think to myself that they simply can't get any better. Then somehow, the next one invariably gets better!
In "The Last Oracle," Rollins puts all of his talents as a master of plot, suspense, action, and science together to put forth an excellent yarn. One of the criticisms I've sometimes read of Rollins is a lack of characterization, but after this novel, I don't see that being an issue at all. In particular, Gray and Painter are two of the finest characters in adventure fiction, although I will admit to itching for more details about Painter.
The book itself centers on human intuition and powerful it might be. Rollins traces a plausible genetic link for powerful human intuition, perhaps even the ability to see the future, back through the ancient Greeks, through India, and down through the Gypsy tribes and heritage that still exists today. Of course, the best thing about Rollins' ideas is that even the most speculative parts of his stories are well grounded in scientific and historical FACT. He's a consummate researcher and it clearly shows in this novel.
Plus the adventure is top notch as well. it's like a first-rate Indiana Jones movie, only a million times better. Rollins truly has a gift for writing action, and reading these scenes is infinitely better than watching a movie. That being said, I would love to see the Sigma series made into movies, although they'd probably butcher them.
The plot itself races from a sniper murder on the National Mall, to Museums of Washington, to the Taj Mahal, to the Indus Valley, to the Ural Mountains of Russia, and even to the hulk of Reactor #4 at Chernobyl. A thrilling ride along the way with gun battles, villains, horrors only equaled by the Nazis, a little romance, and of course Rollins trademark humorous quips of dialogue, supplied mostly by Kowalski.
The only slight complaint I have is this: Early on the story we see a possible romantic chemistry between Elizabeth and Kowalski. At first, it's handled deftly, but as the novel continues, it's often interjected where it doesn't quite seem to fit, and felt a little forced at times, I think it could have grown a bit more organically. Still it gets pulled off, and is rewarding in the end. That's the only slightly negative thing I could say about this book.
Five Stars. Don't miss it. Do yourself a favor though, if you haven't read any of the Sigma novels, start with "Sandstorm" and read them all in order. They're a real treat from one of the best, most satisfying, and colorful authors writing today.
In "The Last Oracle," Rollins puts all of his talents as a master of plot, suspense, action, and science together to put forth an excellent yarn. One of the criticisms I've sometimes read of Rollins is a lack of characterization, but after this novel, I don't see that being an issue at all. In particular, Gray and Painter are two of the finest characters in adventure fiction, although I will admit to itching for more details about Painter.
The book itself centers on human intuition and powerful it might be. Rollins traces a plausible genetic link for powerful human intuition, perhaps even the ability to see the future, back through the ancient Greeks, through India, and down through the Gypsy tribes and heritage that still exists today. Of course, the best thing about Rollins' ideas is that even the most speculative parts of his stories are well grounded in scientific and historical FACT. He's a consummate researcher and it clearly shows in this novel.
Plus the adventure is top notch as well. it's like a first-rate Indiana Jones movie, only a million times better. Rollins truly has a gift for writing action, and reading these scenes is infinitely better than watching a movie. That being said, I would love to see the Sigma series made into movies, although they'd probably butcher them.
The plot itself races from a sniper murder on the National Mall, to Museums of Washington, to the Taj Mahal, to the Indus Valley, to the Ural Mountains of Russia, and even to the hulk of Reactor #4 at Chernobyl. A thrilling ride along the way with gun battles, villains, horrors only equaled by the Nazis, a little romance, and of course Rollins trademark humorous quips of dialogue, supplied mostly by Kowalski.
The only slight complaint I have is this: Early on the story we see a possible romantic chemistry between Elizabeth and Kowalski. At first, it's handled deftly, but as the novel continues, it's often interjected where it doesn't quite seem to fit, and felt a little forced at times, I think it could have grown a bit more organically. Still it gets pulled off, and is rewarding in the end. That's the only slightly negative thing I could say about this book.
Five Stars. Don't miss it. Do yourself a favor though, if you haven't read any of the Sigma novels, start with "Sandstorm" and read them all in order. They're a real treat from one of the best, most satisfying, and colorful authors writing today.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Thoughts: England 1-1 USA.
For us real football fans, the world cup is the epitome of sport. Every four years, the best footballing countries in the world come together to duke it out, and it never disappoints.
Today's match between the USA and England was a highly anticipated match in the early stages of the tournament.
Personally, I'm rooting for England this time around, just like I did in 2006. Sue me. I follow the EPL very closely, and English football is great to watch. Plus, everyone else talks about their heritage about being in this and that other country, well, with my family background being mostly English, this is something I can take pride in.
Not that I don't want the USA to do well and represent us.
Things didn't start out well for the USA though, as Liverpool Captain Gerrard put in a goal just past four minutes. It looked like the route was on. Indeed, defensive lapses characterized the US effort for most of the match, and the frustration was clearly visible in goalkeeper Tim Howard's face. The important thing was, as much as the USA would bend throughout the match, they never broke again.
Indeed, as the match wore on, you kind of got the feeling that England wasn't taking care of business, that they weren't icing the match. If the unthinkable happened.....
The unthinkable happened about the 40th minute, Clint Dempsey hit a solid strike that should have been easy for keeper Robert Green to stop. Turns out he must have had BP oil on his hands cause it bounced and slithered away from him, and trickled across the line to tie the game at 1. It would also be the final goal.
After the half, it was clear that England was trying to take the initiative, and they pushed more and more forward at the USA throughout the second half. However, the USA probably had the best chance at a second half goal off a shot from a wing run by Altidore. This time, Green stepped up and made the save, hitting the shot off of the goalpost.
England had a few chances as well. Wayne Rooney finally showed up toward the end, but it was too little, too late, as Tim Howard saved everything that came his way. He truly was the man of the match.
In the end, it was a tail of two goalkeepers. Howard consistently made both the spectacular and routine saves, despite the lack of defense by the USA, and Green fumbled an easy one that cost England two points. Now both sides will sit and watch Slovenia and Algeria and hope that neither team picks up three points from that match tomorrow. That could make this group very interesting.
In the final analysis, it was a great football match, shots on goal, great saves, timely mistakes, excellent footwork, and a lot of guys playing hard. It's a pity that more Americans haven't gained an interest in this sport. In the end, the USA, although inferior on paper to the English side, showed that they worked together as a team and scratched out a point against one of the favorites. This will be remembered for awhile.
Today's match between the USA and England was a highly anticipated match in the early stages of the tournament.
Personally, I'm rooting for England this time around, just like I did in 2006. Sue me. I follow the EPL very closely, and English football is great to watch. Plus, everyone else talks about their heritage about being in this and that other country, well, with my family background being mostly English, this is something I can take pride in.
Not that I don't want the USA to do well and represent us.
Things didn't start out well for the USA though, as Liverpool Captain Gerrard put in a goal just past four minutes. It looked like the route was on. Indeed, defensive lapses characterized the US effort for most of the match, and the frustration was clearly visible in goalkeeper Tim Howard's face. The important thing was, as much as the USA would bend throughout the match, they never broke again.
Indeed, as the match wore on, you kind of got the feeling that England wasn't taking care of business, that they weren't icing the match. If the unthinkable happened.....
The unthinkable happened about the 40th minute, Clint Dempsey hit a solid strike that should have been easy for keeper Robert Green to stop. Turns out he must have had BP oil on his hands cause it bounced and slithered away from him, and trickled across the line to tie the game at 1. It would also be the final goal.
After the half, it was clear that England was trying to take the initiative, and they pushed more and more forward at the USA throughout the second half. However, the USA probably had the best chance at a second half goal off a shot from a wing run by Altidore. This time, Green stepped up and made the save, hitting the shot off of the goalpost.
England had a few chances as well. Wayne Rooney finally showed up toward the end, but it was too little, too late, as Tim Howard saved everything that came his way. He truly was the man of the match.
In the end, it was a tail of two goalkeepers. Howard consistently made both the spectacular and routine saves, despite the lack of defense by the USA, and Green fumbled an easy one that cost England two points. Now both sides will sit and watch Slovenia and Algeria and hope that neither team picks up three points from that match tomorrow. That could make this group very interesting.
In the final analysis, it was a great football match, shots on goal, great saves, timely mistakes, excellent footwork, and a lot of guys playing hard. It's a pity that more Americans haven't gained an interest in this sport. In the end, the USA, although inferior on paper to the English side, showed that they worked together as a team and scratched out a point against one of the favorites. This will be remembered for awhile.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Book Thoughts: "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
Beautifully written and emotional. It's fascinating and heartbreaking to watch the tale of Cain and Abel recast. The only other Steinbeck novel I've read is "Of Mice and Men," but I'll certainly be checking out more.
The part I liked best about the book was the well developed characters, particularly Adam and Lee. Cathy has to be one of the most vivid characters in American literature as well.
If you haven't read this classic, please do so, just don't expect a happy ending. All in all it's a tragedy worthy of the Greeks.
The part I liked best about the book was the well developed characters, particularly Adam and Lee. Cathy has to be one of the most vivid characters in American literature as well.
If you haven't read this classic, please do so, just don't expect a happy ending. All in all it's a tragedy worthy of the Greeks.
Book Thoughts: "Chancellorsville" by Stephen Sears
Another first rate Civil War campaign study by Stephen W. Sears. Honestly, I couldn't imagine another single volume book containing this much quality information on a battle as this volume does.
The battle of Chancellorsville in April-May 1863 is often told as General Lee's greatest victory, however, as Sears notes, it wasn't destined to be so from the get go. General Hooker had revitalized the Army of the Potomac after the debacle that was Burnside and Fredericksburg. Hookers campaign plan was well thought out and may well have succeeded if not for three factors: The breakdown of Yankee communications via telegraph and signal corp, the failure of General Stoneman to complete his objective of destroying Lee's lines of supply and communication, and the general ineptness of several of the Corps commanders in the army including Gens Howard of the 11th, Sickles of 3rd, and Sedgwick of the 6th. Indeed it was the 11th corps under Howard that was torn to pieces by Jackson's flank march.
Still, Sears gives Robert E. Lee ample credit, particularly in his bold choice to divide his army into essentially 3 parts. Lee's army was already missing most of it's first corps, with Longstreet and his divisions under Hood and Pickett deployed far to the south on a forage mission. Of course, the sheer audacity of Jackson's flank march is noted as one of the great moments in the war. Unfortunately, this great victory came at a great cost, most notably a large amount of Lee's infantry and the death of Stonewall Jackson, who would be sorely missed in the next encounter at Gettysburg.
The most interesting part of the book for me was Sears rather intense defense of General Hooker. Almost everything else I had ever read about this battle puts the defeat square on Hooker's shoulders, yet Sears does a great job of dissecting what went wrong and what Hooker could have controlled, and what he couldn't. All in all a stunning book that should be in any Civil War library.
The battle of Chancellorsville in April-May 1863 is often told as General Lee's greatest victory, however, as Sears notes, it wasn't destined to be so from the get go. General Hooker had revitalized the Army of the Potomac after the debacle that was Burnside and Fredericksburg. Hookers campaign plan was well thought out and may well have succeeded if not for three factors: The breakdown of Yankee communications via telegraph and signal corp, the failure of General Stoneman to complete his objective of destroying Lee's lines of supply and communication, and the general ineptness of several of the Corps commanders in the army including Gens Howard of the 11th, Sickles of 3rd, and Sedgwick of the 6th. Indeed it was the 11th corps under Howard that was torn to pieces by Jackson's flank march.
Still, Sears gives Robert E. Lee ample credit, particularly in his bold choice to divide his army into essentially 3 parts. Lee's army was already missing most of it's first corps, with Longstreet and his divisions under Hood and Pickett deployed far to the south on a forage mission. Of course, the sheer audacity of Jackson's flank march is noted as one of the great moments in the war. Unfortunately, this great victory came at a great cost, most notably a large amount of Lee's infantry and the death of Stonewall Jackson, who would be sorely missed in the next encounter at Gettysburg.
The most interesting part of the book for me was Sears rather intense defense of General Hooker. Almost everything else I had ever read about this battle puts the defeat square on Hooker's shoulders, yet Sears does a great job of dissecting what went wrong and what Hooker could have controlled, and what he couldn't. All in all a stunning book that should be in any Civil War library.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Book Thoughts: "Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon" By Daniel C. Dennett
A bit tough to wade through at times, Dennett presents convincing evidence for a theory that religion is a natural phenomenon evolved through humanity and tied to things such as language and ritual. This book covers so much ground, it's almost impossible to write just a capsule summary. However, if you come to it with an open mind, you can't help but be impressed with the depth of Dennett's knowledge and research on the subject. In the final analysis he thinks religion SHOULD be subject to the same process of inquiry that we put other ideas through, and refusing to do so can be quite dangerous. People need to open up their minds and think about this.
A bit more technical book than Hitchens' "God is not Great," it's accessible but a basic knowledge of psychology, evolutionary theory, and the social sciences in general would be most helpful.
A bit more technical book than Hitchens' "God is not Great," it's accessible but a basic knowledge of psychology, evolutionary theory, and the social sciences in general would be most helpful.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Book Thoughts: "Gettysburg" by Stephen Sears
Last year I picked up a number of books on the Civil War in general and the battle of Gettysburg in particular. I've been interested in the Civil War since I was one of only people to pick the Confederate side in a little game we played in Jr High school. Everyone knew the Union won, but I wanted a challenge!
Anyway, I'd never really done a ton of serious reading on the war, so I decided to rectify that.
The Sears campaign study was one of the books I picked up on Gettysburg, but I've read the rest of them, so I was saving this one, potentially saving the best for last.
I wasn't disappointed. I knew what to expect after reading Sears book about Antietam, and I was also eager to compare it to the Trudeau book I read on Gettysburg last year.
It compared very favorably. Both books carry much of the same content, but the Sears book seems to be a little less of a blow by blow account of the action and more of an overview, particularly with the first day's fighting. Sears takes more of an analytical approach going in depth into the mind and character of Lee and Meade. In particular, he gives Meade more credit than some narratives do, contrasting him with previous Commanders of the Army of the Potomac. He also lays much of the reason for the Confederate defeat squarely at the feet of Lee, and makesa good case for doing so. Sure, Jeb Stuart was off galavanting around the Union army instead of gathering intelligence, but Lee had sanctioned the mission to an extent. Sure Ewell failed to grasp the importance of following up the confederates day one gains by taking Culp's Hill , but Lee's orders gave Ewell considerable discretion on the matter. Lee's hands off approach to his generals and refusal to alter his battle plans on day 2 and 3 reflected a certain disdain for the Army of the Potomac and overestimation of his own capacity. Sears also makes the case that Lee's strained relationship with Longstreet in particular (refusing to listen to Longstreet's alternatives) largely contributed to the dreadful fate of Pickett's charge on Day Three. He also deflects some blame from Longstreet, noting that although he disagreed with attacks planned on days 2 and 3, he committed his forces as ordered and still nearly won the day, particular on day 2.
All in all, this a great work of Civil War History and should be on an buff's book shelf. If you've never read much about the battle, read Shaara's semi-fictional account "The Killer Angels" first then supplement it with reading Sears' study to get the whole picture.
Anyway, I'd never really done a ton of serious reading on the war, so I decided to rectify that.
The Sears campaign study was one of the books I picked up on Gettysburg, but I've read the rest of them, so I was saving this one, potentially saving the best for last.
I wasn't disappointed. I knew what to expect after reading Sears book about Antietam, and I was also eager to compare it to the Trudeau book I read on Gettysburg last year.
It compared very favorably. Both books carry much of the same content, but the Sears book seems to be a little less of a blow by blow account of the action and more of an overview, particularly with the first day's fighting. Sears takes more of an analytical approach going in depth into the mind and character of Lee and Meade. In particular, he gives Meade more credit than some narratives do, contrasting him with previous Commanders of the Army of the Potomac. He also lays much of the reason for the Confederate defeat squarely at the feet of Lee, and makesa good case for doing so. Sure, Jeb Stuart was off galavanting around the Union army instead of gathering intelligence, but Lee had sanctioned the mission to an extent. Sure Ewell failed to grasp the importance of following up the confederates day one gains by taking Culp's Hill , but Lee's orders gave Ewell considerable discretion on the matter. Lee's hands off approach to his generals and refusal to alter his battle plans on day 2 and 3 reflected a certain disdain for the Army of the Potomac and overestimation of his own capacity. Sears also makes the case that Lee's strained relationship with Longstreet in particular (refusing to listen to Longstreet's alternatives) largely contributed to the dreadful fate of Pickett's charge on Day Three. He also deflects some blame from Longstreet, noting that although he disagreed with attacks planned on days 2 and 3, he committed his forces as ordered and still nearly won the day, particular on day 2.
All in all, this a great work of Civil War History and should be on an buff's book shelf. If you've never read much about the battle, read Shaara's semi-fictional account "The Killer Angels" first then supplement it with reading Sears' study to get the whole picture.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Haiti, disaster, and religion.
First off, your heart has to go out to the people of Haiti. This is most likely going to go down as one of the major disasters in recent years up there with Katrina and the Asian Tsunami. In fact, as I've watched the photos stream out of the affected area this evening, it's reminded me a bit of the pictures that came out of New Orleans after Katrina: people wandering aimlessly, structures damaged, and human bodies piled up in the streets. Of course, the death toll will most likely dwarf Katrina, largely because for all of our failures during Katrina, the rest of the nation had the means to deal with the aftermath. It took longer than it should have, but we were able to get food and water in and we were able to go in and try to rescue survivors.
Not much of that is going in Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. After the quake people are dying from lack of water, food, and basic medical care in a nation that was barely managing in the best of times.
When we see things like this, it's human nature to wonder why....why do these disasters happen? Before the founding of modern science, the best way we humans had to explain this was through religion. Perhaps God was judging the affected area. Perhaps God is trying to teach the rest of us to value what we have. There are many justifications.
The "Reverend" Pat Robertson put forth his theory today. In his deluded brain, the nation of Haiti is cursed because they made a "pact with devil" saying they would serve him if he helped them win independence from the French.
Yes that's right folks. This crank thinks he gets that on a direct line from God himself. This is the same guy who said 9-11 was a judgment on the USA because we're so tolerant of homosexuals.
Put your religious views aside for a second. Aren't we past this as a society? This is the equivalent of drilling holes in people's heads to cure mental illness by letting the evil spirits out. To actually suggest that some supposedly loving deity is sitting up there and deciding to smite some of the poorest people on earth like this is pure foolishness. If this is the way your God acts, I want no part of him. This wouldn't be such a big deal, except that there a lot of really deluded people in this country who buy all of this hook, line, and sinker. They will sit in judgment of these poor people. If you're really gonna follow the bible, I think there's a bit in there about judging not.
What this actually betrays is the fact that many of us, including a lot of us who hold to the more conservative and religious ideologies, are scared. Scared of change, scared of progress, scared of people and cultures who are different than us. When you think Haiti, most think of voodoo. Voodoo is one of many faiths that permeate the Caribbean and Latin America. Native religions and traditions that have grown to incorporate ideas and symbols of Christianity as they have evolved. That's WEIRD, though, right? It's weird because it's different. They may sacrifice a chicken or do whatever it is you think they might do, whether you're right or not, but in the final analysis it's no stranger than consuming bread and wine that's been transformed into the flesh of a 2,000 year old dead god. It's also no stranger than believing a boy from upstate New York was given the one true revelation of the word of the 2,000 year old dead god, especially given that there many of those types running around at that time. Folks, all of your religions seem weird to an outsider. Deal with it.
We shouldn't even be bringing religion into this. You want to know what caused the quake? Read it here. Science has this figured out folks. Hopefully through the continuation of geosciences, someday we'll be able to predict these kinds of things. When that day comes, it will be the result of scientific inquiry and discovery, NOT divine revelation.
If you're a religious person, put your faith to the good, as most people do during these times. Pray for those affected, give to your church groups that will be sending supplies. Don't get involved in the blame game of the whacko Christian right.
If you're not religious, we can certainly direct our thoughts in their direction, and there are plenty of charities that we can get involved with that don't fly under the flag of a religion, including the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders.
In times like these, everyone needs to come together from all around the world, regardless of faith or lack of faith. We need to work together as human beings to help those who desperately need it.
Not much of that is going in Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. After the quake people are dying from lack of water, food, and basic medical care in a nation that was barely managing in the best of times.
When we see things like this, it's human nature to wonder why....why do these disasters happen? Before the founding of modern science, the best way we humans had to explain this was through religion. Perhaps God was judging the affected area. Perhaps God is trying to teach the rest of us to value what we have. There are many justifications.
The "Reverend" Pat Robertson put forth his theory today. In his deluded brain, the nation of Haiti is cursed because they made a "pact with devil" saying they would serve him if he helped them win independence from the French.
Yes that's right folks. This crank thinks he gets that on a direct line from God himself. This is the same guy who said 9-11 was a judgment on the USA because we're so tolerant of homosexuals.
Put your religious views aside for a second. Aren't we past this as a society? This is the equivalent of drilling holes in people's heads to cure mental illness by letting the evil spirits out. To actually suggest that some supposedly loving deity is sitting up there and deciding to smite some of the poorest people on earth like this is pure foolishness. If this is the way your God acts, I want no part of him. This wouldn't be such a big deal, except that there a lot of really deluded people in this country who buy all of this hook, line, and sinker. They will sit in judgment of these poor people. If you're really gonna follow the bible, I think there's a bit in there about judging not.
What this actually betrays is the fact that many of us, including a lot of us who hold to the more conservative and religious ideologies, are scared. Scared of change, scared of progress, scared of people and cultures who are different than us. When you think Haiti, most think of voodoo. Voodoo is one of many faiths that permeate the Caribbean and Latin America. Native religions and traditions that have grown to incorporate ideas and symbols of Christianity as they have evolved. That's WEIRD, though, right? It's weird because it's different. They may sacrifice a chicken or do whatever it is you think they might do, whether you're right or not, but in the final analysis it's no stranger than consuming bread and wine that's been transformed into the flesh of a 2,000 year old dead god. It's also no stranger than believing a boy from upstate New York was given the one true revelation of the word of the 2,000 year old dead god, especially given that there many of those types running around at that time. Folks, all of your religions seem weird to an outsider. Deal with it.
We shouldn't even be bringing religion into this. You want to know what caused the quake? Read it here. Science has this figured out folks. Hopefully through the continuation of geosciences, someday we'll be able to predict these kinds of things. When that day comes, it will be the result of scientific inquiry and discovery, NOT divine revelation.
If you're a religious person, put your faith to the good, as most people do during these times. Pray for those affected, give to your church groups that will be sending supplies. Don't get involved in the blame game of the whacko Christian right.
If you're not religious, we can certainly direct our thoughts in their direction, and there are plenty of charities that we can get involved with that don't fly under the flag of a religion, including the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders.
In times like these, everyone needs to come together from all around the world, regardless of faith or lack of faith. We need to work together as human beings to help those who desperately need it.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Movie--"District 9"
So last night we got a free rental code from Redbox. Most of what we wanted to see we got for Christmas, so we decided to check out the Sci-Fi movie District 9.
Ummmm....
Well, I liked the concept. A bunch of alien refugees get trapped here on earth when their ship runs out of gas or something. Us humans build them their own little area outside of Johannasburg for them to live in. That area is District 9, and becomes a slum. Anyway, the humans get tired of the aliens and want them moved into a new slum, and hijinx ensue.
The story ends up being more about a douche bag guy who works for the agency that handles these aliens. He gets infected with some black oil and starts to gasp...become alien! Straight out of the X-Files!
Anyway...after that, ET decides to phone home and that's about it.
The good: I think the film presented a legitimate commentary about how we treat people who are different or from other cultures. In the end the douche bag, faced with becoming more alien himself, confronts his attitude. Plus, as I said, the concept was cool.
The bad: As my wife described it, it was like the person who wrote it got off on ultra-violence, X-Flies, The F word, and Transformers. I am not easily offended but every other word was literally the F word, and it served no purpose at all. Had it just been the military guys, maybe. Plus it just got old. About half way through, I was thinking 'is it over yet?'
So if you like movies where people get their heads blown off or blown up in full view of the camera, and if you enjoy the fact that the writer probably got paid a few thousand dollars for every time he used the F word, then check it out.
If those kind of things make you uncomfortable, you should pass on this one.
I'd rate it 2.5 out of 5 stars, any positive value in the film coming from it's commentary.
Ummmm....
Well, I liked the concept. A bunch of alien refugees get trapped here on earth when their ship runs out of gas or something. Us humans build them their own little area outside of Johannasburg for them to live in. That area is District 9, and becomes a slum. Anyway, the humans get tired of the aliens and want them moved into a new slum, and hijinx ensue.
The story ends up being more about a douche bag guy who works for the agency that handles these aliens. He gets infected with some black oil and starts to gasp...become alien! Straight out of the X-Files!
Anyway...after that, ET decides to phone home and that's about it.
The good: I think the film presented a legitimate commentary about how we treat people who are different or from other cultures. In the end the douche bag, faced with becoming more alien himself, confronts his attitude. Plus, as I said, the concept was cool.
The bad: As my wife described it, it was like the person who wrote it got off on ultra-violence, X-Flies, The F word, and Transformers. I am not easily offended but every other word was literally the F word, and it served no purpose at all. Had it just been the military guys, maybe. Plus it just got old. About half way through, I was thinking 'is it over yet?'
So if you like movies where people get their heads blown off or blown up in full view of the camera, and if you enjoy the fact that the writer probably got paid a few thousand dollars for every time he used the F word, then check it out.
If those kind of things make you uncomfortable, you should pass on this one.
I'd rate it 2.5 out of 5 stars, any positive value in the film coming from it's commentary.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Book Thoughts: "Landscape Turned Red: The Battle of Antietam" by Stephen W. Sears
As I've delved more seriously into Civil War Histories, I found that Stephen Sears' writing is pretty much beyond equal. In particular, I found this book first rate both as a work of military history and as a historical narrative.
As with most reputable Civil War histories, in this book Sears doesn't just cover the battle that occurred along Antietam Creek, but the entire campaign that led up to the the bloodiest single day in American History. In particular, I found the discussion of the Battle for South Mountain to be particularly riveting.
As for the section on Antietam itself, Sears gives the reader an excellent sense of what it might have been like to witness what many soldiers described as some of the most savage and violent fighting of the war. The sections on the battle for the cornfield and the sunken road are page turners in the tradition of a great novel. He also describes in extreme detail the aftermath of the battle including the human toll and the devastation of the land around Sharpsburg.
What's also interesting about the book is the rather in depth character study of General McClellan. The "Young Napoleon" wrote frequent letters to his wife and his political friends during the Maryland campaign and Sears uses these to give us a valuable insight into the mind of the Union commanding general, a general who would be relieved of his command for the final time not long after the battle.
A great historical book. A definite must read for Civil War buffs.
As with most reputable Civil War histories, in this book Sears doesn't just cover the battle that occurred along Antietam Creek, but the entire campaign that led up to the the bloodiest single day in American History. In particular, I found the discussion of the Battle for South Mountain to be particularly riveting.
As for the section on Antietam itself, Sears gives the reader an excellent sense of what it might have been like to witness what many soldiers described as some of the most savage and violent fighting of the war. The sections on the battle for the cornfield and the sunken road are page turners in the tradition of a great novel. He also describes in extreme detail the aftermath of the battle including the human toll and the devastation of the land around Sharpsburg.
What's also interesting about the book is the rather in depth character study of General McClellan. The "Young Napoleon" wrote frequent letters to his wife and his political friends during the Maryland campaign and Sears uses these to give us a valuable insight into the mind of the Union commanding general, a general who would be relieved of his command for the final time not long after the battle.
A great historical book. A definite must read for Civil War buffs.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
My top 20 albums of 2009.
Welcome to 2010 everyone. The new year means I post my top 20 albums of the previous year. They are.......
1. The Decemberists--The Hazards of Love
2. Mono--Hymn to the Immortal Wind
3. Them Crooked Vultures--Them Crooked Vultures
4. John Mayer--Battle Studies
5. Dave Matthews Band--Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King
6. Silversun Pickups--Swoon
7. U2--No Line on the Horizon
8. Neko Case--Middle Cyclone
9. Great Lake Swimmers--Lost Channels
10. Pearl Jam--Backspacer
11. Arctic Monkeys--Humbug
12. Julian Casablancas--Phrazes for the Young
13. Porcupine Tree--The Incident
14. Alice in Chains--Black Gives Way to Blue
15. William Elliott Whitmore--Animals in the Dark
16. Animal Collective--Merriweather Post Pavilion
17. Bob Dylan--Together Through Life
18. Dinosaur Jr.--Farm
19. The Dead Weather--Horehound
20. Sonic Youth--The Eternal
1. The Decemberists--The Hazards of Love
2. Mono--Hymn to the Immortal Wind
3. Them Crooked Vultures--Them Crooked Vultures
4. John Mayer--Battle Studies
5. Dave Matthews Band--Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King
6. Silversun Pickups--Swoon
7. U2--No Line on the Horizon
8. Neko Case--Middle Cyclone
9. Great Lake Swimmers--Lost Channels
10. Pearl Jam--Backspacer
11. Arctic Monkeys--Humbug
12. Julian Casablancas--Phrazes for the Young
13. Porcupine Tree--The Incident
14. Alice in Chains--Black Gives Way to Blue
15. William Elliott Whitmore--Animals in the Dark
16. Animal Collective--Merriweather Post Pavilion
17. Bob Dylan--Together Through Life
18. Dinosaur Jr.--Farm
19. The Dead Weather--Horehound
20. Sonic Youth--The Eternal
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