Not about books, but I wanted to compliment you on the current incarnation of the new color scheme. It’s highly readable and very visually pleasant and relaxing.
Dan M.November 17th, 2008
I’m currently reading A Court Divided. The writing is mediocre, but it’s interesting content, if you want to know how the vagaries of particular SCotUS justices affect history.
Ben Hur has one of the most sympathetic depictions of Jesus of Nazereth I’ve ever seen, and I say that as a fairly rabid anti-Christian. And I love the fact that he plays a bit part in the much larger story of Ben Hur, which is itself just an awesome novel. (And one that makes Les Mis look short.)
For even more arcane things, I suggest Lavengro and the Romany Rye, which is a strange meandering pseudo-autobiography of the natural polyglot George Borrow and his strange libertarian wanderings in the wilds of late-nineteenth century England. Or you can go for Lounsbury’s History of the English Language, which is exactly what it says, from the Anglo-Saxon tribes mispronouncing the ancient place names of the Celts and Roman outposts to the the current day (as of the late 19th century), including a thorough discussion of such matters as verbs of the strong congugation and the fact that people have been saying they’re going out of style for longer than Shakespeare has been popular.
digglahhhNovember 17th, 2008
I believe the new Malcolm Gladwell book comes out today (it’s after midnight). Plan to try to wait for the paperback though, or try to get lucky and catch it at the library.
I’d love to read that new Jeff Pearlman book about the Cowboys in the 1990’s, I believe it’s called “Boys will be Boys”. After reading “The Bad Guys Won,” his book on the ‘86 Mets, I’m curious about the comparative level of debauchery.
Most recent book I finished was “Swoosh,” which was a corporate history of Nike (co-)written by the wife of one of the company’s original and key players. It was actually a very interesting book, and it had a lot of appeal beyond sneaker geeks (me) and those partial to reading corporate histories (not me). But, it’s like 500+ pages, so ultimately I wouldn’t actually recommend it unless either of those niche interests apply.
Just about in parallel, I was reading “A Well Paid Slave,” a biography of Curt Flood. Despite the rave reviews, I was actually a little disappointed (maybe due to some hype).
Yeah, so that’s a long-winded, “no.”
Dan M.November 18th, 2008
*Sigh.* I’ve been put in moderation for having too many links in my comment. That’s what I get for being helpful and providing references.
I just finished War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning by Chris Hedges, which I’ve been meaning to read for some time. I think that at times he’s a little too self-satisfied about his own cynicism, but on the whole I would recommend it.
KevinNovember 18th, 2008
David
I think that may the first time in the history of the blog somene has complimented me on the desgin of the blog
Dan, I just approved your comment.
Digglah
Actually, I have a Kindle, so I can generally get hardback at almost paper-back prices. I didn’t like Gladwell’s last book, though – -it didn’t seem to address any arguments against his contentions and it had the fell of a “just so” story.
GregNovember 18th, 2008
Free To Choose. Milton Friedman.
Or more seriously. Doris Kearns Goodwin’s newest.
Any word on how much is going to be spent on the inauguration in the middle of a recession? I recall quite a bit of angst on these pages around this time in 2004.
I’m actually a big fan of Gladwell. I recently saw him speak, the title of the speech was “Ethnic Theories of Plane Crashes.” Just from the title, I was like, “oh, this has to be some ill shit…” And it was. I can expound more on it at another time.
But, I loved Blink; I thought it was superior to Tipping Point. I actually liked Blink for the reasons that many others didn’t. It was detached. In the recent profile of Gladwell in New York Magazine it was described as, here’s this interesting info, do with it as you wish.
He’s supposed to be a lot more personally invested in this book, turning his attention to bigger societal issues, as opposed to more (pop) cultural phenomena. He’s stated that he has realized he’s built himself a platform and now feels something of a responsibility to use it to address more weighty issues. What can I say, I’m something of a Gladwell Stan.
My oldest friend and I have almost identical reading interests and takes on books, he’s reading “Traffic” by Tom Vanderbilt. And, he says it’s awesome. It’s one of these Gladwellian type books, I guess. Here’s the link.
Two other generic (non-sports) books I always recommend to people are:
“Ballbuster: True Confessions of a Marxist Businessman” by Bertell Ollman. Ollman is a (relatively well known) Marxist professor from NYU. This books is about his foray into the business world as he attempts to produce and market, “Class Struggle,” a Marxist version of Monopoly. And, yes, I have a copy (ebay rules), but the rule book is like 6,000 pages, so we haven’t actually played it.
The other is “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” by Jeff Chang. It’s one of the many history of the hip hop generation books, but it’s easily the best I’ve come across.
Oh, and out of left field, lemme throw out another random book.”Class and Community, The Industrial Revolution in Lynn” by Alan Dawley. This is about the shoemaking industry in Lynn, Mass and how it dealt with the modernization of the industry, and the resulting implications for the community. I read it for a Labor Studies class I took in college and I loved it.
tgirschNovember 18th, 2008
For quick, light reading, you might check out Lewis Black’s Me Of Little Faith. I’m about half way through it right now, and it’s decidedly hit-or-miss, but it definitely has its moments. With a couple of exceptions, its best moments are when he’s actually writing sincerely about his crisis of faith and not trying to be funny.
Also, if you haven’t read Team of Rivals (Doris Kearns Goodwin) yet, I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. I thought about buying it, but was a little dissuaded by the fact that I was unable to lift it. Since you read way the hell faster than I do, that shouldn’t discourage you.
Lewis Black’s Me Of Little Faith . . . its best moments are when he’s actually writing sincerely about his crisis of faith and not trying to be funny.
I’ve found that’s true of Lewis Black in general. He seems to me to simply be in the wrong profession.
Doris Kearns Goodwin’s newest.
Oh, yeah? Who wrote that?
I have a Kindle
Cool! How do you like it? Doesn’t the stupid DRM piss you off? It’s essentially impossible to backup your purchases, or read them on another player, right?
KevinNovember 18th, 2008
KTK
The Kindle is great. I hate reading off a computer screen, but the Kindle screen looks like a paperback book. In fact, the form factor is, in my opinion, superior to hardcovers or thick paperbacks. The abality to store books in one small package is godsend, considering how much Dawn and I read. The free samples are a nice touch and it is amazing to be able to get a book delivered to to the device wireless at any time.
The thing itself is overpriced, but the books are very resonable priced. Most hardcovers are 9.99 and most paperbacks are about 6 to 7 dollars. So you save about a buck or a two on paperbacks and 15 to 25 on hardcovers. Again, considering how much we read, it probbly has already paid for itself.
The DRM is bothersome. Not being able to read it on another reader is not a big thing, since there is only one other that isn;t a standard computer screen. Not being able to have the files under my control is a bit more worrisome, but Amazon keeps them backed up for you, so its something I can live with. I fully expect the DRM to be broken if Amazon ever abandons the device.
Hi, I am the author of the book mentioned below in a press release. I know that this blog is more politically oriented, but I think if you check out the book’s website (http://abookofprayers.com), you’ll find that the world could use a few of the beautiful prayers that these celebrities present. Enjoy! I’d love to hear your reviews.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A Great Christmas Gift!
A Book of Prayers: To the Heavens from the Stars
Author Chuck Spinner has very successfully compiled a book of favorite prayers from 118 well known celebrities. Included among these famous people are Oscar winners; Heisman Trophy recipients; Olympic Gold Medallists; Four-star Generals; a Nobel Peace Prize recipient; and even a Monarch and two former Miss Americas. Prayers have come from the only pitcher to ever pitch a perfect World Series game; from the player who hit ?the shot heard round the world?; from the only two time Heisman trophy winner; and from the only undefeated four time NCAA wrestling champion.
Former Cleveland Browns All-Pro lineman, Doug Dieken writes the Foreword and Spinner writes a chapter on the qualities and power of prayer along with engaging introductions to each of the celebrities. To the Heavens from the Stars concludes with quotes from famous historical figures on the significance and power of prayer. The book highlights both religion and history and illustrates that athletes, entertainers, and government officials can and do provide positive models for prayer in one?s life.
Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Virgil Trucks wrote Spinner that he thinks the author?s book of prayers will be the greatest book ever written. The author is more comforted by the words of former U.S. Open winner, Scott Simpson, who wrote him that he hoped that ?God honors you for honoring Him?.
Chuck enjoyed signing books at the Notre Dame University bookstore before the September 27th Notre Dame ? Purdue football game. His book is one of four recommended in the November Bookshelf section of the Catholic Digest.
Currently A Book of Prayers: To the Heavens from the Stars can be most easily purchased by calling the AuthorHouse Book Order Phone Number (1-888-280-7715), ordering through Amazon.com, or ordering through most retail bookstores. It makes a great Christmas gift and families are sending copies to loved military personnel overseas.
Chuck Spinner is retired after 33 years of teaching high school US History in the Cleveland, Ohio area. He and his wife Patrice live in their lakefront home on Lake Chautauqua, New York.
Not about books, but I wanted to compliment you on the current incarnation of the new color scheme. It’s highly readable and very visually pleasant and relaxing.
I’m currently reading A Court Divided. The writing is mediocre, but it’s interesting content, if you want to know how the vagaries of particular SCotUS justices affect history.
On the other end, EVERYONE should read Les Miserables.
Ben Hur has one of the most sympathetic depictions of Jesus of Nazereth I’ve ever seen, and I say that as a fairly rabid anti-Christian. And I love the fact that he plays a bit part in the much larger story of Ben Hur, which is itself just an awesome novel. (And one that makes Les Mis look short.)
For even more arcane things, I suggest Lavengro and the Romany Rye, which is a strange meandering pseudo-autobiography of the natural polyglot George Borrow and his strange libertarian wanderings in the wilds of late-nineteenth century England. Or you can go for Lounsbury’s History of the English Language, which is exactly what it says, from the Anglo-Saxon tribes mispronouncing the ancient place names of the Celts and Roman outposts to the the current day (as of the late 19th century), including a thorough discussion of such matters as verbs of the strong congugation and the fact that people have been saying they’re going out of style for longer than Shakespeare has been popular.
I believe the new Malcolm Gladwell book comes out today (it’s after midnight). Plan to try to wait for the paperback though, or try to get lucky and catch it at the library.
I’d love to read that new Jeff Pearlman book about the Cowboys in the 1990’s, I believe it’s called “Boys will be Boys”. After reading “The Bad Guys Won,” his book on the ‘86 Mets, I’m curious about the comparative level of debauchery.
Most recent book I finished was “Swoosh,” which was a corporate history of Nike (co-)written by the wife of one of the company’s original and key players. It was actually a very interesting book, and it had a lot of appeal beyond sneaker geeks (me) and those partial to reading corporate histories (not me). But, it’s like 500+ pages, so ultimately I wouldn’t actually recommend it unless either of those niche interests apply.
Just about in parallel, I was reading “A Well Paid Slave,” a biography of Curt Flood. Despite the rave reviews, I was actually a little disappointed (maybe due to some hype).
Yeah, so that’s a long-winded, “no.”
*Sigh.* I’ve been put in moderation for having too many links in my comment. That’s what I get for being helpful and providing references.
I just finished War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning by Chris Hedges, which I’ve been meaning to read for some time. I think that at times he’s a little too self-satisfied about his own cynicism, but on the whole I would recommend it.
David
I think that may the first time in the history of the blog somene has complimented me on the desgin of the blog
Dan, I just approved your comment.
Digglah
Actually, I have a Kindle, so I can generally get hardback at almost paper-back prices. I didn’t like Gladwell’s last book, though – -it didn’t seem to address any arguments against his contentions and it had the fell of a “just so” story.
Free To Choose. Milton Friedman.
Or more seriously. Doris Kearns Goodwin’s newest.
Any word on how much is going to be spent on the inauguration in the middle of a recession? I recall quite a bit of angst on these pages around this time in 2004.
I’m actually a big fan of Gladwell. I recently saw him speak, the title of the speech was “Ethnic Theories of Plane Crashes.” Just from the title, I was like, “oh, this has to be some ill shit…” And it was. I can expound more on it at another time.
But, I loved Blink; I thought it was superior to Tipping Point. I actually liked Blink for the reasons that many others didn’t. It was detached. In the recent profile of Gladwell in New York Magazine it was described as, here’s this interesting info, do with it as you wish.
He’s supposed to be a lot more personally invested in this book, turning his attention to bigger societal issues, as opposed to more (pop) cultural phenomena. He’s stated that he has realized he’s built himself a platform and now feels something of a responsibility to use it to address more weighty issues. What can I say, I’m something of a Gladwell Stan.
My oldest friend and I have almost identical reading interests and takes on books, he’s reading “Traffic” by Tom Vanderbilt. And, he says it’s awesome. It’s one of these Gladwellian type books, I guess. Here’s the link.
http://www.amazon.com/Traffic-Drive-What-Says-About/dp/0307264785
Two other generic (non-sports) books I always recommend to people are:
“Ballbuster: True Confessions of a Marxist Businessman” by Bertell Ollman. Ollman is a (relatively well known) Marxist professor from NYU. This books is about his foray into the business world as he attempts to produce and market, “Class Struggle,” a Marxist version of Monopoly. And, yes, I have a copy (ebay rules), but the rule book is like 6,000 pages, so we haven’t actually played it.
http://www.amazon.com/Ballbuster-True-Confessions-Marxist-Businessman/dp/1887128921
The other is “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” by Jeff Chang. It’s one of the many history of the hip hop generation books, but it’s easily the best I’ve come across.
http://www.cantstopwontstop.com/book.cfm
Oh, and out of left field, lemme throw out another random book.”Class and Community, The Industrial Revolution in Lynn” by Alan Dawley. This is about the shoemaking industry in Lynn, Mass and how it dealt with the modernization of the industry, and the resulting implications for the community. I read it for a Labor Studies class I took in college and I loved it.
For quick, light reading, you might check out Lewis Black’s Me Of Little Faith. I’m about half way through it right now, and it’s decidedly hit-or-miss, but it definitely has its moments. With a couple of exceptions, its best moments are when he’s actually writing sincerely about his crisis of faith and not trying to be funny.
Also, if you haven’t read Team of Rivals (Doris Kearns Goodwin) yet, I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. I thought about buying it, but was a little dissuaded by the fact that I was unable to lift it. Since you read way the hell faster than I do, that shouldn’t discourage you.
Lewis Black’s Me Of Little Faith . . . its best moments are when he’s actually writing sincerely about his crisis of faith and not trying to be funny.
I’ve found that’s true of Lewis Black in general. He seems to me to simply be in the wrong profession.
Doris Kearns Goodwin’s newest.
Oh, yeah? Who wrote that?
I have a Kindle
Cool! How do you like it? Doesn’t the stupid DRM piss you off? It’s essentially impossible to backup your purchases, or read them on another player, right?
KTK
The Kindle is great. I hate reading off a computer screen, but the Kindle screen looks like a paperback book. In fact, the form factor is, in my opinion, superior to hardcovers or thick paperbacks. The abality to store books in one small package is godsend, considering how much Dawn and I read. The free samples are a nice touch and it is amazing to be able to get a book delivered to to the device wireless at any time.
The thing itself is overpriced, but the books are very resonable priced. Most hardcovers are 9.99 and most paperbacks are about 6 to 7 dollars. So you save about a buck or a two on paperbacks and 15 to 25 on hardcovers. Again, considering how much we read, it probbly has already paid for itself.
The DRM is bothersome. Not being able to read it on another reader is not a big thing, since there is only one other that isn;t a standard computer screen. Not being able to have the files under my control is a bit more worrisome, but Amazon keeps them backed up for you, so its something I can live with. I fully expect the DRM to be broken if Amazon ever abandons the device.
Maybe I should do a real review of the thing.
I really enjoyed I Am A Strange Loop.
Here’s what I wrote about it on my blog: I Am A Strange Loop.
Hi, I am the author of the book mentioned below in a press release. I know that this blog is more politically oriented, but I think if you check out the book’s website (http://abookofprayers.com), you’ll find that the world could use a few of the beautiful prayers that these celebrities present. Enjoy! I’d love to hear your reviews.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A Great Christmas Gift!
A Book of Prayers: To the Heavens from the Stars
Author Chuck Spinner has very successfully compiled a book of favorite prayers from 118 well known celebrities. Included among these famous people are Oscar winners; Heisman Trophy recipients; Olympic Gold Medallists; Four-star Generals; a Nobel Peace Prize recipient; and even a Monarch and two former Miss Americas. Prayers have come from the only pitcher to ever pitch a perfect World Series game; from the player who hit ?the shot heard round the world?; from the only two time Heisman trophy winner; and from the only undefeated four time NCAA wrestling champion.
Former Cleveland Browns All-Pro lineman, Doug Dieken writes the Foreword and Spinner writes a chapter on the qualities and power of prayer along with engaging introductions to each of the celebrities. To the Heavens from the Stars concludes with quotes from famous historical figures on the significance and power of prayer. The book highlights both religion and history and illustrates that athletes, entertainers, and government officials can and do provide positive models for prayer in one?s life.
Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Virgil Trucks wrote Spinner that he thinks the author?s book of prayers will be the greatest book ever written. The author is more comforted by the words of former U.S. Open winner, Scott Simpson, who wrote him that he hoped that ?God honors you for honoring Him?.
Chuck enjoyed signing books at the Notre Dame University bookstore before the September 27th Notre Dame ? Purdue football game. His book is one of four recommended in the November Bookshelf section of the Catholic Digest.
Currently A Book of Prayers: To the Heavens from the Stars can be most easily purchased by calling the AuthorHouse Book Order Phone Number (1-888-280-7715), ordering through Amazon.com, or ordering through most retail bookstores. It makes a great Christmas gift and families are sending copies to loved military personnel overseas.
Chuck Spinner is retired after 33 years of teaching high school US History in the Cleveland, Ohio area. He and his wife Patrice live in their lakefront home on Lake Chautauqua, New York.