tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186558982024-03-07T10:25:55.818-08:00Objectionable MaterialMean People SuckIronicPinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995026889577837634noreply@blogger.comBlogger454125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-48346851600374036022013-01-06T10:14:00.000-08:002013-01-06T10:14:07.886-08:00The Passage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bks3.books.google.com/books?id=KbdauAAACAAJ&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&imgtk=AFLRE73Iap-4aOpzye38eFj-DwoJwZCuYR7Jus2ZYHpVXI-xffOTSuNWBojPj5Ibmd4-PfZVQuRxU6sfj3RPnKVW_k_QE7c2IT-ibpr7cet6Q2jUWr9zVUs2DPNM-mr87bxQB8d2ThJq" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://bks3.books.google.com/books?id=KbdauAAACAAJ&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&imgtk=AFLRE73Iap-4aOpzye38eFj-DwoJwZCuYR7Jus2ZYHpVXI-xffOTSuNWBojPj5Ibmd4-PfZVQuRxU6sfj3RPnKVW_k_QE7c2IT-ibpr7cet6Q2jUWr9zVUs2DPNM-mr87bxQB8d2ThJq" /></a></div>
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This was a GREAT read. So, so good. I can't wait to start <i>The Twelve</i>, which is book 2 in the series. But that will have to wait until after I read <i>Towers of Midnight</i>, which I expect to be waiting for me at my doorstep Tuesday after work.EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-6569246443120877292012-10-14T06:19:00.003-07:002012-10-14T06:20:06.406-07:0011/22/63<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>11/22/63</i> by Stephen King is the best novel I have read in some time. I devoured this 849 page doorstop in a little over a week. I'd been wanting to read it since it came out, but waited, because I had other things in line to read first, including King's <i>Under The Dome</i>, which was also magnificent in it's own way.</div>
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King's storytelling has always been super-duper, but in these last two novels he has really hit a stride. I haven't read all of King's catalog, but I have read lots; we used to read his books and Sly B and I would agree "he does a great middle" but petered out often with his endings for us -- not true for 11/22/63.<br />
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The premise of the story is in essence: If you could go back and affect a watershed moment that changed everything in America - think racism, war, poverty - would you do it even if it meant great sacrifice for you? I'm not going to say too much about the plot, but I will tell you that the pace of the novel is lightning-fast, and the characters are wonderful. I think another question that might be batted around a bit in the novel is: Did the assassination of JFK really get us to this point today? Would race relations, foreign relations, and poverty in America be what they are had he lived? Or is that just a nice fairy tale liberals tell ourselves when we don't know what to do or say about the state of our nation?<br />
<br />
I don't have a lot of experience with historical fiction, but this one was really fun for me. I've spent some time in Dallas, and the novel spends a lot of time there with our main character stalking Lee Harvey Oswald and his family and circle for a few years. King isn't kind to Dallas, which does not break my heart. Our main character, Jake/George, brings a 21st century yankee liberal sensibility to the late 50s and early 60s America which helps readers understand, I think, what life was really like then and there and how we might have fared.<br />
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I can't recommend this novel highly enough. Check it out - you won't be sorry!EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-73147665157932317742012-08-05T13:11:00.000-07:002012-08-05T13:11:13.753-07:00Remembered<br />
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Steven Curtis Verwolf</div>
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April 9, 1965 - August 6, 2008</div>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-13585220986294448962012-07-01T11:34:00.001-07:002012-07-01T11:34:11.472-07:00Towers of Midnight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the last book, so far.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Graendal lives. She tricked Rand with the compulsion</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Egwene take the Tower</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Rand as Jesus with the apples</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Seanchan bloodknives are killing in the tower. Egwene thinks it's Mesaana</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Nynaeve can heal madness</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Mat is still pursued by the gholam</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Mat writes to Elayne in hilarious fashion</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Perrin meets up with the White Cloaks and Galad</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Perrin embraces (finally) the wolf dream and the wolf</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I think Lara might be Masaana - just a hunch stolen from B</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Mat, Tom, and Jain Farstrider save Moiraine from the snakes and foxes. JF doesn't make it out</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Gawyn saves Egwene, who defeats Mesaana in the dream world</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Elaida shows the Seanchan traveling</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Avienda sees the future of her descendants and that the Seanchan will defeat the Aiel</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>There is a split in the Black tower between those loyal to Taim and Logain</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The gathering of rulers begins to try and stop Rand from breaking the seals</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Trollocs attach Caemlyn - Verin's letter is finally revealed</li>
</ul>
<div>
Next up, in January, <i>A Memory of Light</i>. I cannot wait.</div>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-70005813179338640362012-06-24T19:28:00.001-07:002012-06-24T19:29:32.538-07:00The Gathering Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>The Gathering Storm</i> is the first of three compiled/writted by Brandon Sanderson after RJ's death. RJ was working on <i>A Memory of Light</i> and lucky for us left behind notes and recordings of how the story ends. With a few exceptions, Sanderson does a good job.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Mat, Rand, and Perrin all see the need to work with the Seanchan </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Regular citizens begin to rally for the last battle </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I think Taim is Moridin (Ishamael) </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Faile KILLS THE PROPHET </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Tuon assumes her role as Empress (may she live forever) </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Gawyn leaves Elaida's came to "save" Egwene </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Semirhage escapes with the help of Elza, who I never trusted, and captures rand with the domination band. Rand realized the True Power and wipes her out. He blames Cadsuane and banishes her </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Seanchan attack the tower </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Rand uses balefire on Grendal's camp, concerning Nynaeve enough to work with Cadsuane with the goal of resorting his soul </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>There's a big timeline fuckup in this book with Tam and Rand and Perrin and Morgase</li>
</ul>
It's obvious that RJ didn't write all these chapters. Still, great, great story. Next up: <i>Towers of Midnight. </i>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-28450974564488066852012-05-25T06:12:00.004-07:002012-05-25T06:14:10.618-07:00Knife of Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Knife of Dreams</i> is book 11 in the series, and the last book out before RJ's death.<br />
<ul>
<li>Elayne wins the throne, finally</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Egwene is still captive in the White Tower, and is slowly chipping away at Elaida's control. She accepts her punishments like an Aiel, and RJ obviously had a thing about spankings </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Semirhage tries to fake out Rand with a meeting of a Daughter of the Nine Moons imposter. Rand captures her and loses his hand for his troubles </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Matt and Tuon are married and she leaves for Ebou Dar. She learns that she is the Empress (may she live forever) </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Perrin rescues boring old Faile </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Taim is most certainly a Forsaken, ending the book with the "let the Lord of Chaos rule" saying -- EEK!</li>
</ul>
Next up: <i>The Gathering Storm</i>!EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-71089611625253487712012-05-24T06:21:00.000-07:002012-05-25T06:13:52.570-07:00Feast Day of Fools<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently finished the latest novel by one of my top 3 favorite authors. <i>Feast Day of Fools</i> by James Lee Burke did not disappoint. Burke is such a master of the English language -- it's a joy to read anything he writes. The opening sentence:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Some people said Danny Boy Lorca's visions came from the mescal that had fried his brains, or the horse-quirt whippings he took around the ears when he served time on Sugar Land Farm, or the fact he'd been a middleweight club fighter through a string of dust-blown sinkholes where the locals were given a chance to beat up what was called a tomato can, a fighter who leaked blood every place he was hit, in this case a rumdum Indian who ate his pain and never flinched when his opponents broke their hands on his face.</blockquote>
My very favorite Burke novels are his Dave Robicheaux ones; <i>Feast Day of Fools</i> is one in another of his series, his Hackberry Holland books. Holland, like Robicheaux, is a sober man in the later years of his life who has chosen a life in law enforcement. He is haunted by very specific trauma related to Vietnam, the death of his beloved wife, indignities suffered at the hands of his father, and his past as a violent drunk.<br />
<br />
This novel focuses, as the earlier Holland novels do although I have not read them yet, on the mass murderer Preacher Jack Collins, along with many other Federal Governmental bad guys. Hack is the sheriff of a small border town in Texas and the story also winds through border/immigration politics and evangelical nutjobs who mix their horrible bibilical rhetoric with conservative politics and racism.<br />
<br />
I don't want to spoil the story, but do want to encourage anyone who still might be reading this blog to check the book out. It was just masterful and superb. I went and picked up a few more of the early Burke Holland novels I haven't read yet immediately upon finishing this book, and can't wait to dive in. Also, the new Robicheaux novel drops in July.<br />
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James Lee Burke, may you live forever.EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-11887690203036064122012-05-17T06:35:00.004-07:002012-05-25T06:13:38.671-07:00New Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think I read this prequel a bit out of sequence, but it's okay. I enjoyed the story of a young Moiraine, Siuan, and Lan. This is a great book to recommend to people who haven't read fantasy before to get them hooked on the series.<br />
<br />
Just a few notable things I saw:<br />
<ul>
<li>Now I know why Cadsuane is assumed to be B.A.</li>
<li>Lan and Moiraine came together because they were both running away from something</li>
<li>Moiraine and Siuan were definitely "pillow friends" and if I have one criticism of Jordan, it's his crazy gender stuff. Big ole bisexuals, those A.S., most of em</li>
</ul>
Next up (and I'm actually about 1/2-way through): <i>Knife of Dreams </i><br />
<br />EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-7702010184721456422012-04-23T06:42:00.003-07:002012-05-25T06:13:27.976-07:00Crossroads of Twilight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just finished my re-read of <i>Crossroads</i>, book 10 of the series. It was a fast-paced one, lots of things going on:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Perrin is still trying to rescue Faile, and is getting sick of his cohorts a bit. He is considering an alliance with the Seanchan, thus far, a completely insane suggestion.</li>
<li>Egwene is at the edge of Tar Valon with her army, laying seige to the city.</li>
<li>Elayne is shoring up support for her claim to the Lion Throne.</li>
<li>Rand and Nynaeve have cleansed the male half of the One Power and have made everyone in the world who can channel nervous about what has happened.</li>
<li>Interesting point that I hadn't noticed before: Siuan believes that Cadsuane is Black Ajah. Hmmm . . . </li>
</ul>
Next up: <i>New Spring</i>! <br />
<br />EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-53315032938303752512012-04-13T05:49:00.003-07:002012-04-13T05:57:39.780-07:00Great TVTwo shows that make my all-time favorite list are currently running new episodes, which makes me smile. <div><br /></div><div><i>The Killing </i>(U.S.) has gotten a lot of flack from people who were pissed about the non-resolution of the plot last season. I love it. Linden and Holder are gonna solve this case, and whichever powerful a-hole who thinks he is safe from authority is going down. My biggest fear is that one of our beloved main characters won't survive the season.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Nurse Jackie</i> is, in my opinion, one of the smartest-written shows out there, and such a dead-on examination of addiction. I love, love, love it. We watched the first three episodes of the new season On Demand the other day, so now will have to wait a few weeks for the next new episode (but will probably watch 2 and 3 over again as they release on Sundays). Jackie goes, sort of, to rehab, and is clean for the first time since she had her first child. In my opinion, it's not gonna stick, but still I root for Jackie.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another show that makes the all-time list just finished its 2nd season - <i>Shameless </i>(U.S). If you're not watching this one, you really should. It's so sad/wonderful. I think the show is mostly about surviving your parents, but the characters are so awesome it could be about a dozen other things and I'd still be hooked.</div>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-81444898183281340722012-04-05T05:47:00.005-07:002012-04-05T05:58:02.906-07:00Path of Daggers and Winter's Heart<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/51/WoT08_ThePathOfDaggers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 326px; height: 475px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/51/WoT08_ThePathOfDaggers.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/75/WoT09_WintersHeart.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 475px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I'm a bit behind, but have finished both <i>The Path of Daggers</i> and <i>Winter's Heart</i>, books 8 and 9 of the WoT. The series is gettin' good, yo.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>The Borderland rulers have formed a pact</li><li>The Seanchan are attacking all over the place</li><li>Elayne and Avienda have become First Sisters, and with a similar ceremony bonded Rand to them and Min in a odd kind of 4-way marriage ala Big Love</li><li><i>Path of Daggers</i> is the shortest book in the series and my least favorite</li><li>Elayne, Nynaeve, Avienda, et al use the bowl of the winds to reverse the Dark One's influence over the weather, and it starts raining/snowing</li><li>Elayne claims the Lion Throne</li><li>Rand is attacked by rogue Ashamen (?) </li><li>Perrin is off trying to stop Masema and Faile is kidnapped by the Shaido, along with Morgase and others</li><li>Perrin chases the Shaido and is sad and grr</li><li>Matt is trapped in Ebou Dar and finally meets his Daughter of the Nine Moons, who is the only woman he's ever laid eyes on that he doesn't instantly think of bouncing on his knee</li><li>Matt plots an escape from Ebou Dar</li><li>Dashiva, one of the Ashaman, turns out to be a Forsaken, Aginor</li><li>Rand and Nynaeve cleanse the source</li><li>I THINK that I started reading the series in 2000, when <i>Winter's Heart</i> was published - of course it took me a year or more to catch up to publication dates, but this is about when I dove in the first time. It was a revelation! I love fantasy! Who woulda guessed?</li></ul><div>Whew! Tons of plot lines moving forward all at the same time. I'm already well into the next one, <i>Crossroads of Twilight</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, just heard that the final book, <i>A Memory of Light</i>, won't be out until January, 2013. Sigh . . . </div><ul><li><br /></li></ul></div>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-73669490105066062772012-03-07T16:27:00.002-08:002012-03-07T16:31:19.887-08:00Crown of Swords<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/68/WoT07_ACrownOfSwords.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 475px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/68/WoT07_ACrownOfSwords.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>The end of this book marks the half-way point in the series. Whew!<div><ul><li>The Crown of Swords is the Laurel Crown of Illian</li><li>Lan marries Nynaeve in this one - so sweet</li><li>Min and Rand become lovers . . . finally</li><li>The Bowl of the Winds is found . . . finally</li><li>Gholams are scary</li><li>Cadsuane is scary</li><li>Sammael is toast</li></ul><div>Next up, <i>Path of Daggers</i></div></div>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-7327213621064436652012-02-13T11:12:00.000-08:002012-02-13T11:22:08.331-08:00Lord Of Chaos<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9b/WoT06_LordOfChaos.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 475px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9b/WoT06_LordOfChaos.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Perrin is back again, and on the one hand, lots of plot points are moved forward; on the other hand, lots of things are at a standstill and new stuff has been layered on. This book felt a bit like a marathon, and is typically where people who did fall off reading started to fall.<div><ul><li>Dylin tells Rand that Tigrane is his mother. In this story we learn that Galad is Rand's half-brother.</li><li>An emissary from the Tower is sent to Salidar.</li><li>Taim is now in charge of the Black Tower and he has to be a Foresaken, right?</li><li>Morgase is captured by Pedron Niall.</li><li>Rand receives envoys both from the Tower and from Salidar - the Tower group assumes that rumors of a sister with Rand (actually Egwene) is Moraine who faked her death.</li><li>Nynaeve does the impossible in heading Logaine, Siuan, and Leanne</li><li>The whitecloaks culture is so much modeled on the Vatican.</li><li>Egwene is a BADASS. She meets her Ji e-Toh, then travels the same night to Salidar to meet her fate there.</li><li>Rand sends Matt to collect Elaine.</li><li>Instead of punishing Egwene, the rebels make her Amyrlin.</li><li>Sulin is HILARIOUS.</li><li>Rand is captured by the Tower envoy. He is tortured and driven crazy by them.</li><li>Matt, Elaine, and Nynaeve, along with Tom and Julen, head for Ebou Dar to deal with the weather issue by looking for the bowl of the winds.</li></ul><div>Next up: <i>Crown of Swords</i></div><ul><li>Dumai Wells happens and it's a blood bath.</li></ul></div>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-39323888663421283652012-01-23T17:05:00.000-08:002012-01-23T17:32:34.958-08:00Nordic NoirOne of the benefits of my addictive personality is that sometimes I land on some type of thing that is so interesting that obsession is warranted and rewarding. One such thing is a recent indulgence in a lot of Nordic Noir. <div><br /></div><div>It started with the Stieg Larson <i>Millennium</i> trilogy and is most recently working itself out in my enjoyment of the Danish original <i>The Killing</i> TV series (kiss-kiss, Van). I've recently made a long list of popular Swedish thrillers - many of which are series focused on one detective - and I cannot wait to find the time to read more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some of the characteristics I love best in this genre:</div><div><ul><li>A heroine to the story (though not always, as in the mediocre <i>The Hypnotist</i> - more on that later) who kicks ass (Lisbeth Salander, Sarah Lund/Linden, Smilla) and has had absolutely all she can stand of misogyny and bullshit. She has generally gotten the shit end of at least one kind of stick, and she ain't gonna take it any more</li><li>A mystery that needs some serious solving</li><li>Characters who are the very best at what they do, but who are overlooked by most people because they don't comply with social norms</li><li>Some kind of social injustice that the heroine (except in the mediocre, etc, etc) is absolutely livid about</li></ul><div>Here are my recommendations if you enjoyed <i>The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo</i> or the AMC version of <i>The Killing</i> and are interested in more:</div><div><ul><li>Read <i>Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow</i>. It's the grandmammy of the genre and is outstanding. This book is one of Sly B's all-time favorites and she's been trying to get me to read it for ages. Why did I wait so long?</li><li>There's a Julia Ormond movie called <i>Smilla's Sense of Snow</i> that's also wonderful</li><li>Read all three Stieg Larson books - they are fantastic. Then watch the Swedish films - they are fantastic. Then see the US film - it was pretty damn good.</li><li>Watch the AMC version of <i>The Killing</i> - so great. A Nordic Noir story set in Seattle. Fans FREAKED OUT about the S1 ending because it wasn't all Hollywood-tied-in-a-bow. Haha</li><li>Watch the BBC version (it's Danish, but they dubbed into English) of <i>The Killing</i> - it's the original and the story is so dark and thrilling</li><li>Do not, not matter what, pick up <i>The Hypnotist</i>, even though the cover says it's "methadone for those in withdrawal from Stieg Larson novels." First of all, really marketing people? Classy. Because heroin addiction is EXACTLY like loving some books. Second of all, it was a good mystery, but I hated the main character, his wife, his son, and everyone he knew. Seriously it was a 4 out of 10 nipples and doesn't belong in this class</li></ul><div>You have your homework.</div></div><div><br /></div></div>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-45996061886463309542012-01-15T09:40:00.000-08:002012-01-15T09:51:37.854-08:00The Fires of Heaven<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/aa/WoT05_TheFiresOfHeaven.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 475px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/aa/WoT05_TheFiresOfHeaven.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I finished this volume a few weeks ago. A LOT happened in this one, despite Perrin's POV being absent. <div><ul><li>Lews Therin has emerged as the voice in Rand's head. He's a nutter, too, so Rand is stuck listening to his weeping/ranting/homicidal ideas.</li><li>Lanfear had her eyes on the Sun Throne - I missed that on the first read.</li><li>Matt's medallion is proven out as a protection against channeling.</li><li>Min and Elaine come to terms with the fact that they both love Rand. Meanwhile, Rand plays between the sheets with Avienda.</li><li>Forsaken body count: Lanfear (?), Ravin, Asmodean. Moghedien is also captured by Nynaeve.</li><li>The rebel Aes Sedai have set up camp in Salidar, and Nynave, Min, and Elaine are there with them. </li><li>Biggest thing to happen: Moraine is presumed dead after taking Lanfear out through the mysterious doorway.</li></ul><div>Next up: Lord of Chaos</div></div>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-78457065719842691332011-12-11T14:55:00.000-08:002011-12-11T15:15:27.267-08:00The Shadow Rising<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1b/WoT04_TheShadowRising.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 475px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1b/WoT04_TheShadowRising.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Book 4, <i>The Shadow Rising</i>, is (so far) the longest in the series at 1001 pages. This read for me was via audio-book and was 40.5 hours of bookiness. I think that in writing this volume, RJ must have decided: "Fuck it" and gone all in with the detail, scope, and length of the series. This one represents a real turning point in what would happen in the series and how many characters would be integral to the story. Whew, a biggun. Here are my thoughts in no particular order:<div><ul><li>Major plot points in this volume: The Tower is broken; Nynaeve proves that she is strong as hell, and can overcome a Foresaken; Rand is He Who Comes With The Dawn without a doubt; Rand captures Asmodean and now has a teacher and proves that he is unwilling to kill a woman; Egwene begins learning to be a dreamer; Perrin becomes a "lord" and marries Faile</li></ul><ul><li>Min is more important to the plot of the series than I thought and I'm paying more attention to her role</li></ul><ul><li>Siuan and Leane are hilarious</li></ul><ul><li>Is Rand's breaking the Aiel bigger than his telling their historical secret?</li></ul>Next up, <i>The Fires of Heaven</i> </div>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-86546134083674710202011-12-08T16:41:00.000-08:002011-12-08T17:02:16.431-08:00The Sacred Band<a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/images/dyn/cover/?source=9780307739681&height=450&.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 450px;" src="http://www.randomhouse.com/images/dyn/cover/?source=9780307739681&height=450&.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I recently had the pleasure of finishing <i>The Sacred Band</i>, the conclusion to the Acacia trilogy by David Anthony Durham. Book 1 is <a href="http://objectionablematerial.blogspot.com/2008/01/book-review-acacia-book-one-war-with.html"><i>Acacia</i></a>; Book 2 is <a href="http://objectionablematerial.blogspot.com/2010/01/mini-review-other-lands.html"><i>The Other Lands</i></a>. Rather than do a plot summary here, because I really do believe you should read this one for yourself, I'll just talk about what I loved about this final novel.<div><br /></div><div>First, the entire series is incredibly refreshing. Epic Fantasy is generally "conservative" in metaphor at many levels. The hero (and there usually is just one) is typically male, white, heterosexual, etc, etc, etc; the bad guys are typically of color, not Euro-ish, effeminate even sometimes. In <i>Acacia</i>, the heroes are varied in race, home, sex, motives. It takes many of them a long time, and a lot of mistakes to get to the point of doing "right."</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, the conclusion of the series isn't a nice, tidy fix by a savior. It's just a hope of something better. I LOVE that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, Durham knows how to finish a series. Who finishes a trilogy in four years? Who finishes a trilogy in three books? LOVE THAT. Of course, I love the torture that is SOIAF and WOT too . . . </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to read Pride of Carthage just because I know this dude can write. And he's on my must pre-order list from now on. Ten out of ten and the best book I read this year.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-53130619748130906852011-11-18T15:11:00.000-08:002011-11-18T15:25:20.729-08:00'bout got 'er licked<a href="http://bigbeaverbrew.com/theme-images/big-beaver-logo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 234px;" src="http://bigbeaverbrew.com/theme-images/big-beaver-logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div>Sly B and I visited Big Beaver Brewing Co. in Loveland last week. Coincidentally, we'd just read a review of the brewery that claimed, and I paraphrase, that "unless you're a feminist or someone who hates fun you'll love this place." So two feminists walk into a bar. Aside from my being hit on by a biker, I'd say our man-hating, joyless, politically ridiculous feminism remains completely intact.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just kidding, obviously. The review in question was silly. The brewery is stupendously unique as a spot - wonderfully home-made tables; friendly bartender; friendly patrons (especially that biker). It had a great vibe all the way around. The joke in the logo and name and tagline is continued in the brews:</div><div><br /></div><div>-Beaver Stubble Stout (appreciated by a buddy)</div><div>-Bust-A-Nut Brown</div><div>-Potent Peter IPA</div><div>-Screw The Pooch Ale (my favorite)</div><div>-Whiskey Dick Stout</div><div><br /></div><div>and so on. Feminists can laugh at that. We're proof.</div><div><br /></div><div>I predict that in ten years, this is going to be a big, festival winning brewery. They've got the right stuff, no doubt. The beers are each unique and robust and true to style.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're in Northern Colorado and can, check this joint out. It's fantastic.</div>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-16038131202537142992011-11-05T05:48:00.000-07:002011-11-05T05:58:14.793-07:00The Dragon Reborn<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/97/WoT03_TheDragonReborn.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 475px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/97/WoT03_TheDragonReborn.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>My thoughts on book 3:<div><ul><li>Matt never accepts his fate. He always wants to leave, but he really doesn't want to go back to Emond's Field.</li></ul><ul><li>Nynaeve is driven because she sees herself as the protector of the Emond's Fielders. She is also driven by hatred of Moiraine.</li></ul><ul><li><i>The Dragon Reborn</i> was very light on Rand; the focus was on moving all the main characters to Tear.</li></ul><ul><li>ALL of Min's viewings come true. Never doubt what she sees.</li></ul><ul><li>Rand always thinks that he's defeated Shai'tan in the early books!</li></ul><ul><li>The Forsaken body count: Aginor, Be'lal, Ishamael/Ba'alzaomon.</li></ul><ul><li>We now know who The People Of The Dragon are. In that, the legends of the various peoples start to bleed together.</li></ul><ul><li>Moiraine's role is really becoming more to remind the ta'veren who they are than to guide them.</li></ul><ul><li>This is among my favorites of the books - a lot of great focus on the "girls" perspective and a lot of fantastic character development. Faile is an annoying character, IMO, and we meet her here, but otherwise this was a fun re-read and a fantastic story.</li></ul><ul><li>Next up, <i>The Shadow Rising</i></li></ul></div>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-63084218086347416532011-10-26T16:24:00.000-07:002011-10-26T16:39:20.098-07:00WoT Read, Read, Read<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.mmosite.com/news/2009/08/05/thewheeloftime/wotcover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 600px;" src="http://images.mmosite.com/news/2009/08/05/thewheeloftime/wotcover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sly B and I are both re-reading the massive <span style="font-style: italic;">Wheel of Time</span> series in anticipation of the final installment in March. I thought it might be fun to do a series of posts that are just thoughts on each book. Not reviews, just thoughts. My review is this: I fucking love these books.<br /><br />I've read the first 10 books in the series at least twice - some more than that. The latest books and the prequel I've only read once, so this is very exciting.<br /><br />So I am currently rounding the corner to the end of book #3 <span style="font-style: italic;">The Dragon Reborn</span>. Sly B is on book #8 already. She may or may not participate in this - I haven't even asked her yet.<br /><br />Here are my initial thoughts on the first two books: I've read <span style="font-style: italic;">The Eye of the World</span> the most of all of these novels and love the book. It introduces us to our core characters and gives us the messianic tropes, the fantasy usual suspects, and just a short quick peek into how vast this world is going to be. It shows us that not only is Rand critical to this story, but Perrin and Matt and Egwene and Nynaeve are also crucial.<br /><br />The Great Hunt, I think, is my favorite of the series. I love how this novel pulls in the other crucial pieces of this world - the Whitecloaks, the Aiel, the Seanchan, the Foresaken, Darkfriends. I LOVE this book.<br /><br />I know a lot of my buddies, and my brother-in-law, also love these books. It's just been SO ENJOYABLE to re-read this series so far. And, I'd better hurry up or I'm not going to finish by March.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8irKWf-oxzumOTxGIacVo5Zb1RJvQ89qbTjTXHdL4qkDtGRllc9A8Knyl3gmjIlHmrDOmZ93234gDClfv8sOB28SbY9RdfExnzgYisljsO2nPpYWi-Mk36uLCNunp6DoliEeZQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-10-26+at+5.27.32+PM.png"><br /></a>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-28405733051002326562011-10-16T14:54:00.000-07:002011-10-16T15:15:35.674-07:00Book Review - A Dance With Dragons<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5d/A_Dance_With_Dragons_US.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 300px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5d/A_Dance_With_Dragons_US.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I finally finished <span style="font-style: italic;">A Dance With Dragons</span> two or three weeks ago. I'll start by saying that you can find better and more comprehensive reviews and discussions of the book all over the place. My recommendation for the best is at Topless Robot <a href="http://www.toplessrobot.com/2011/07/trs_a_dance_with_dragons_discussion_page_spoilers.php">and you should check it out</a>. It's spoilery, as will be what I say below.<br /><br />A few things I would like to say:<br /><ul><li>Really, G.R.R.? Did you really have to do that to us right at the end? I don't believe that Jon Snow is a goner, me.</li><li>I am fascinated and surprised by the directions a few pivotal female characters were taken in the addition to the story: Dani has been a bit muted, and with the addition of Aegon things are totally up in the air now regarding her agency; Arya is just in a weird space - man what is going to happen with her now? My guess: she'll become the assassin she prays for each night and take out her list; Cersei: humbled? Um, not likely.</li><li>The scariest character in a long time in fiction: Ramsay Bolton. The shit he does to people, specifically Theon, is so horrible. The only one scarier than him is his dear old dad Roose. Skin-crawley.</li><li>Even if we have to wait until 2016 for more, I loved it.<br /></li></ul>Five outta five from me.EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-62006459412121173522011-08-20T06:33:00.000-07:002011-08-20T06:40:19.043-07:00Randomness<ul><li>I have an iPhone and am in the stage of looking at it all the time. I'm annoying even myself.</li></ul><ul><li>I'm still reading Dance With Dragons - only about 350 pages in. Both Sly B and her mama have already finished. I'm usually much quicker through these beloved books, but life has gotten in the way. So far, I'm loving it.</li></ul><ul><li>Evil Inc., bleh, but I realize that it's time to stop caring SO MUCH.
<br /></li></ul><ul><li>We've seen tons of great TV this year. Standouts (some of which may be repeats but are just THAT good): Nurse Jackie, Treme, The Killing, Torchwood</li></ul>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-16240686138129550532011-08-06T05:15:00.001-07:002011-08-20T06:33:39.230-07:00Remembered<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://web.me.com/jverwolf/Our_Death/Him_files/shapeimage_2.jpg"><img src="http://web.me.com/jverwolf/Our_Death/Him_files/shapeimage_2.jpg" alt="" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 512px; height: 238px; " border="0" /></a>
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<br />Steven Curtis Verwolf
<br />April 9, 1965 - August 6, 2008EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-4708404404300213172011-07-28T03:04:00.000-07:002011-07-28T03:19:06.810-07:00Ancestors<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600cc;">I am extremely fortunate in so many ways. One of these fortunes is that I have a large family, my family members contact me for assistance, and that I've grown up knowing my grandparents and other family members of my grandparents' generation. The result is that I get to hear wonderful stories from these amazing people.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600cc;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600cc;">This week, my 84 year old, maternal Grandma visited her 102 year old Aunt in South Dakota. They both look very much alike - like my great, great Grandma. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); ">As Grandma was trying to leave, and Auntie was trying to keep her from leaving, having enjoyed their visit too much for it to end, Auntie kept giving her more hugs and kisses. Finally, giving her one last kiss, Auntie took Grandma's hands and told her, "You look just like my mommy". Auntie may be 102 years old, but she has all of her faculties - she does not allow people to push her wheelchair - insisting on pushing it herself AND refusing to ride in one of those electric contraptions. Auntie still eats like a 70 year old and goes to exercise class every day to stay spry. Auntie happens to be a nun. She lives in an assisted living hall in the convent and feels like it's passed her time to move on to the next great adventure. Every time one of the nuns who was in their 80s or 90s passes away, she calls my grandma and complains, "I don't know why the young ones are dying, but I'm still here". </span></div>Sly Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04185994547024409961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18655898.post-85817092348958899482011-07-12T18:13:00.001-07:002011-07-12T18:15:18.137-07:00Squee!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYstt8eh0qhBIYnoZgsC30Xu6powBULw9-0eJXRzeNMCO-5ZSQysYAu4MWwxPE1tThw12qOBXEfBhqGXtcNTnlOvUxYDv7dwItQ7NHPtSFrwhebwJ8er_yi52r5WciIADJy3nIVw/s1600/DSCF7282.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYstt8eh0qhBIYnoZgsC30Xu6powBULw9-0eJXRzeNMCO-5ZSQysYAu4MWwxPE1tThw12qOBXEfBhqGXtcNTnlOvUxYDv7dwItQ7NHPtSFrwhebwJ8er_yi52r5WciIADJy3nIVw/s200/DSCF7282.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628639102637017538" /></a><br />Wowie! 1,016 pages of goodness.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>EssBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01503769044409909965noreply@blogger.com0