Book Log 2016 #47: The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
The adoptive children of a figure simply called Father return to the house they grew up in, as Father (who may be God, or a god) has gone missing, and his library - from which the children learned specific disciplines and appear to hold the secrets of Creation - is unguarded. Ripe pickings for someone who would like to replace Father, either to wield untold power or keep others from doing so, like Carolyn.
The book follows her as she makes plans to enter the library and best her siblings, all while trying to balance that growing power with the fact that she is still human (which becomes less obvious the more she learns).
I liked the book, even though it's a little more in the fantasy realm than I normally go.
31 December 2016
Book Log 2016 #46: A Friend of Mr. Lincoln by Stephen Harrigan
This historical novel follows Abraham Lincoln during his years in Springfield, Illinois, where as a lawyer and state legislator he honed his political instincts and rhetorical skills in the hopes of matching his ambition. The narrator is a poet (fictional) who is part of Lincoln's circle in Springfield, and we see Lincoln in all phases, from his political and courtroom successes to his bouts of depression to his dicey love life (which includes a shared mistress with the narrator and the unorthodox courtship of Mary Todd).
I really enjoyed this book, mostly because as someone who doesn't really have a good grasp on Lincoln pre-Presidency it filled a lot of gaps as to how Lincoln got to be the man who saved the Union (I know it's fiction, but the story isn't completely made from whole cloth, and Harrigan's writing gives things a sense of fact). This probably comes from Harrigan's multiple historical novels, none of which I've managed to read (though I'm surprised I never picked up The Gates of the Alamo, something I should probably remedy).
This historical novel follows Abraham Lincoln during his years in Springfield, Illinois, where as a lawyer and state legislator he honed his political instincts and rhetorical skills in the hopes of matching his ambition. The narrator is a poet (fictional) who is part of Lincoln's circle in Springfield, and we see Lincoln in all phases, from his political and courtroom successes to his bouts of depression to his dicey love life (which includes a shared mistress with the narrator and the unorthodox courtship of Mary Todd).
I really enjoyed this book, mostly because as someone who doesn't really have a good grasp on Lincoln pre-Presidency it filled a lot of gaps as to how Lincoln got to be the man who saved the Union (I know it's fiction, but the story isn't completely made from whole cloth, and Harrigan's writing gives things a sense of fact). This probably comes from Harrigan's multiple historical novels, none of which I've managed to read (though I'm surprised I never picked up The Gates of the Alamo, something I should probably remedy).
Book Log 2016 #45: Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson
It's not hard to be intrigued by Marcus Samuelsson, the Ethiopian turned Swede who at 24 became internationally renowned as the executive chef at Aquavit restaurant in New York City. This autobiography recounts how Samuelsson perservered over losing his mother in a tuberculosis epidemic, being separated from his father (who was still in their home village), and moving to Sweden (which is pretty much the exact opposite of Ethiopia), where he regularly cooked with is adoptive grandmother, setting him on the course to fame.
I have to admit I expected more struggle once Samuelsson got to Sweden, just from a racial perspective, but it seems like where the struggle really started was when he started in cooking, where he felt he needed to be the best to get the sort of notice that European chefs would get without perfection.
I do feel like the book hit its stride at the end, when Samuelsson opens Red Rooster in Harlem and reconnects with his father (and 18 step-siblings!) in Ethiopia. This really closed the circle for me, both for how obviously excited Samuelsson was to further explore his African roots and for realizing how uniquely lucky he was in being able to see family again.
It's not hard to be intrigued by Marcus Samuelsson, the Ethiopian turned Swede who at 24 became internationally renowned as the executive chef at Aquavit restaurant in New York City. This autobiography recounts how Samuelsson perservered over losing his mother in a tuberculosis epidemic, being separated from his father (who was still in their home village), and moving to Sweden (which is pretty much the exact opposite of Ethiopia), where he regularly cooked with is adoptive grandmother, setting him on the course to fame.
I have to admit I expected more struggle once Samuelsson got to Sweden, just from a racial perspective, but it seems like where the struggle really started was when he started in cooking, where he felt he needed to be the best to get the sort of notice that European chefs would get without perfection.
I do feel like the book hit its stride at the end, when Samuelsson opens Red Rooster in Harlem and reconnects with his father (and 18 step-siblings!) in Ethiopia. This really closed the circle for me, both for how obviously excited Samuelsson was to further explore his African roots and for realizing how uniquely lucky he was in being able to see family again.
30 December 2016
Book Log 2016 #44: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
I don't read a lot of biography or personal essays (no good reason, just tend not to crack the lineup), but had been meaning to read this for a while, and I'm glad that I finally did. Though, oddly, I've not read any of his other collections since reading this one. That might be more about me than anything else.
(Also, the blurbs about this book say the title is inspired by Sedaris's attempts to learn French, but I thought it was more in reference to the story about his speech therapy while growing up in North Carolina, though I suppose the grammar of the title sounds more like someone who is learning a language. God knows I probably said things that translated to that when I took French in junior high.)
I don't read a lot of biography or personal essays (no good reason, just tend not to crack the lineup), but had been meaning to read this for a while, and I'm glad that I finally did. Though, oddly, I've not read any of his other collections since reading this one. That might be more about me than anything else.
(Also, the blurbs about this book say the title is inspired by Sedaris's attempts to learn French, but I thought it was more in reference to the story about his speech therapy while growing up in North Carolina, though I suppose the grammar of the title sounds more like someone who is learning a language. God knows I probably said things that translated to that when I took French in junior high.)
Book Log 2016 #43: End of Watch by Stephen King
The end of the "Mercedes Killer" trilogy, in which the killer has developed the mental powers seen in the last book to get his enemies to kill themselves. It's up to Bill Hodges and his detective agency colleagues to figure out a way to stop him (while Hodges himself faces his own, potentially deadly, personal problems).
I don't read a lot of King as I still tend to think of him as a straight horror author, but between this trilogy and 11/22/63 I should probably go back and see what else I'm missing (other than The Stand, which I've been meaning to read for years).
The end of the "Mercedes Killer" trilogy, in which the killer has developed the mental powers seen in the last book to get his enemies to kill themselves. It's up to Bill Hodges and his detective agency colleagues to figure out a way to stop him (while Hodges himself faces his own, potentially deadly, personal problems).
I don't read a lot of King as I still tend to think of him as a straight horror author, but between this trilogy and 11/22/63 I should probably go back and see what else I'm missing (other than The Stand, which I've been meaning to read for years).
Book Log 2016 #42: Absolute Friends by John Le Carre
So this is not the book I was thinking of (A Legacy of Spies, which came out a year or so later and I really remember enjoying), but I do vaguely recall this as a story of two men, friends in their student days in Berlin, reconnecting in the current day to engage in one more mission, though with less clarity and/or sense of purpose as in their radical days.
I did read a couple of reviews of the book, both of which noted that the main character - a British tour guide in Berlin - was rootless and kind of undefined. I hadn't really thought about that when I read the book, as it seems to me that many of LeCarre's protagonists (especially in his post-Cold War books) would fit that description. Part of me also wonders if the character's girlfriend and her son are supposed to act as a kind of anchor, though I'm far enough removed from reading this to make an argument.
In any case, I seem to have liked it (four stars on Goodreads), but I tend to like everything from Le Carre.
So this is not the book I was thinking of (A Legacy of Spies, which came out a year or so later and I really remember enjoying), but I do vaguely recall this as a story of two men, friends in their student days in Berlin, reconnecting in the current day to engage in one more mission, though with less clarity and/or sense of purpose as in their radical days.
I did read a couple of reviews of the book, both of which noted that the main character - a British tour guide in Berlin - was rootless and kind of undefined. I hadn't really thought about that when I read the book, as it seems to me that many of LeCarre's protagonists (especially in his post-Cold War books) would fit that description. Part of me also wonders if the character's girlfriend and her son are supposed to act as a kind of anchor, though I'm far enough removed from reading this to make an argument.
In any case, I seem to have liked it (four stars on Goodreads), but I tend to like everything from Le Carre.
Book Log 2016 #41: Avenue of Spies by Alex Kershaw
I really don't remember much about this book - the story of an American doctor in France who joins the Resistance during World War 2 - I gave it three stars on Goodreads, which suggests it wasn't terrible (the average ranking is 3.94, so clearly there are a number of people who liked it more than I did). So I won't try to theorize as to why I gave it that rating, but if nothing else it's probably a good non-fiction change of pace from all of the Alan Furst books.
I really don't remember much about this book - the story of an American doctor in France who joins the Resistance during World War 2 - I gave it three stars on Goodreads, which suggests it wasn't terrible (the average ranking is 3.94, so clearly there are a number of people who liked it more than I did). So I won't try to theorize as to why I gave it that rating, but if nothing else it's probably a good non-fiction change of pace from all of the Alan Furst books.
29 December 2016
Book Log 2016 #40: Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
This is the book on which the HBO documentary of the same name is based. It gives a history of Scientology and some of its leading figures - including founder L. Ron Hubbard - and looks at how the group developed, grew, and hold on to its members (including allegations of harsh punishment for members who step out of line). It spends a fair amount of time looking at some celebrity Scientologists, and discussing how the organization uses celebrity to boost itself, and how the celebrities influence its very operations.
Scientology pushed back against this book pretty heavily, not surprising given the group's history of litigation (there's also at least one exhaustive web critique of the book that's still online). But failing anything more transparent coming through official channels, this is likely the best look inside that we have, and is very much worth reading.
This is the book on which the HBO documentary of the same name is based. It gives a history of Scientology and some of its leading figures - including founder L. Ron Hubbard - and looks at how the group developed, grew, and hold on to its members (including allegations of harsh punishment for members who step out of line). It spends a fair amount of time looking at some celebrity Scientologists, and discussing how the organization uses celebrity to boost itself, and how the celebrities influence its very operations.
Scientology pushed back against this book pretty heavily, not surprising given the group's history of litigation (there's also at least one exhaustive web critique of the book that's still online). But failing anything more transparent coming through official channels, this is likely the best look inside that we have, and is very much worth reading.
Book Log 2016 #39: The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu by Joshua Hammer
Mali doesn't get a much attention in the US with regards to the war on terror, but in the early part of the 2010s the country was more or less taken over by al-Qaeda, who co-opted a rebellion by the Touareg people to take control over most of the country.
One of the things this put in jeopardy is the country's large collection of historic manuscripts (both Islamic and secular), which had been collected over decades and stored in the city of Timbuktu. Fearing their destruction, a librarian (who was involved in collecting the manuscripts in the first place) arranged a smuggling operation aimed at getting the collection - numbering some 350,000 volumes - to relative safety in the southern part of the country, which was not under al-Qaeda control.
It's a gripping story, both for the actual movement of the collection and the recounting of life under a repressive theocratic insurgency. It's very much worth a read, both to learn about a part of the world that gets very little coverage (especially in the US) and to get even more confirmation that librarians are not to be trifled with.
Mali doesn't get a much attention in the US with regards to the war on terror, but in the early part of the 2010s the country was more or less taken over by al-Qaeda, who co-opted a rebellion by the Touareg people to take control over most of the country.
One of the things this put in jeopardy is the country's large collection of historic manuscripts (both Islamic and secular), which had been collected over decades and stored in the city of Timbuktu. Fearing their destruction, a librarian (who was involved in collecting the manuscripts in the first place) arranged a smuggling operation aimed at getting the collection - numbering some 350,000 volumes - to relative safety in the southern part of the country, which was not under al-Qaeda control.
It's a gripping story, both for the actual movement of the collection and the recounting of life under a repressive theocratic insurgency. It's very much worth a read, both to learn about a part of the world that gets very little coverage (especially in the US) and to get even more confirmation that librarians are not to be trifled with.
Book Log 2016 #38: Eating for Ireland by Tom Doorley
I suppose I'd call this book a "food memoir," as it looks at specific foods and food-related topics from the author's experience growing up and living in Ireland. I think the main issue for me is that I'm not Irish, so I don't have the references or experiences that would have allowed me to enjoy the book as deeply as someone who is Irish. That being said, I did like the writing style and stuck with it, and did find that I was able to use what experience I have with Ireland (and with being married into a British family, as there's a fair amount of similarity in food) to get a fair amount of enjoyment out of the book.
The structure - one chapter per item - does allow for easy browsing, which is helpful if you're not familiar with things like rissoles, drisheen, or schpring schprong (which I am not; just typing these I have no idea what they are, and I'm pretty sure I read about them!).
I suppose I'd call this book a "food memoir," as it looks at specific foods and food-related topics from the author's experience growing up and living in Ireland. I think the main issue for me is that I'm not Irish, so I don't have the references or experiences that would have allowed me to enjoy the book as deeply as someone who is Irish. That being said, I did like the writing style and stuck with it, and did find that I was able to use what experience I have with Ireland (and with being married into a British family, as there's a fair amount of similarity in food) to get a fair amount of enjoyment out of the book.
The structure - one chapter per item - does allow for easy browsing, which is helpful if you're not familiar with things like rissoles, drisheen, or schpring schprong (which I am not; just typing these I have no idea what they are, and I'm pretty sure I read about them!).
28 December 2016
Book Log 2016 #37: The Only Rule is it Has to Work by Ben Lindbergh and Sam Miller
While sabremetrics and other analytics continue to find a place in baseball, this book takes the quantitative approach to its logical conclusion, as the two authors are given free reign to use data to run the Sonoma Stompers, an independent professional baseball team. We see the pair evaluate talent (including some clearly non-quantitative shenanigans at a tryout aimed at landing a slugger that most teams seem to be overlooking), make day to day decisions, and deal with some unexpected drama (one of their players became the first American professional baseball player to come out as gay while still active).
For all of the numbers talk, the book is pretty much a year in the life of the team, and you easily get caught up in the regular drama as well as the conflicts that happen due to the specific way the team is being run. The book won't settle the argument for either side, but it is an enjoyable look at a low-stakes application of stats in baseball.
While sabremetrics and other analytics continue to find a place in baseball, this book takes the quantitative approach to its logical conclusion, as the two authors are given free reign to use data to run the Sonoma Stompers, an independent professional baseball team. We see the pair evaluate talent (including some clearly non-quantitative shenanigans at a tryout aimed at landing a slugger that most teams seem to be overlooking), make day to day decisions, and deal with some unexpected drama (one of their players became the first American professional baseball player to come out as gay while still active).
For all of the numbers talk, the book is pretty much a year in the life of the team, and you easily get caught up in the regular drama as well as the conflicts that happen due to the specific way the team is being run. The book won't settle the argument for either side, but it is an enjoyable look at a low-stakes application of stats in baseball.
Book Log 2016 #36: The 14th Colony by Steve Berry
Looking at the description this would seem to check all the boxes for a Cotton Malone thriller, but I was somewhat disappointed in this book relative to the series. Not sure if it was the way the Order of the Cincinnati was used or just not a fan of the ending, I have vague memories of misgivings surrounding both. I do kind of wish Malone would go back to Europe and shoot up some more UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Book Log 2016 #35: Kingdom of Shadows by Alan Furst
I don't remember much about this book, and the author and publisher pages for the book both give the same, brief, mostly content-free description (guy tries to stop Nazis in Eastern Europe). But I seem to have liked it (four stars on Goodreads), and from the various reviews I've read it seems like it was generally well liked. I'm guessing if you like Furst's other novels you'll like this one.
I don't remember much about this book, and the author and publisher pages for the book both give the same, brief, mostly content-free description (guy tries to stop Nazis in Eastern Europe). But I seem to have liked it (four stars on Goodreads), and from the various reviews I've read it seems like it was generally well liked. I'm guessing if you like Furst's other novels you'll like this one.
26 December 2016
Book Log 2016 #34: House of Thieves by Charles Belfoure
Set in the late 19th century, the son of a prosperous architect gets mixed up with the wrong crowd, and to save him the architect uses his knowledge of architecture (and the mansions he'd designed) to help the gang commit robberies.
I couldn't quite get into this book the same way I did for Belfoure's debut novel, The Paris Architect, not sure if I didn't quite buy the premise or if the writing wasn't as good as that first book. Still, it's a nice change of pace to have a mystery/thriller using architects rather than the usual assortment of cops and government agents.
Set in the late 19th century, the son of a prosperous architect gets mixed up with the wrong crowd, and to save him the architect uses his knowledge of architecture (and the mansions he'd designed) to help the gang commit robberies.
I couldn't quite get into this book the same way I did for Belfoure's debut novel, The Paris Architect, not sure if I didn't quite buy the premise or if the writing wasn't as good as that first book. Still, it's a nice change of pace to have a mystery/thriller using architects rather than the usual assortment of cops and government agents.
Book Log 2016 #33: The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs by Elaine Sciolino
Paris seems more than most cities to be defined by its neighborhoods, and this book does an excellent job of showing how that works and the ways in which Parisians work and struggle to keep their neighborhoods alive and vibrant. Scioloino is a former New York Times bureau chief for Paris, and the book does an excellent job showing her love (and understanding) of this corner of the city
(NOTE: a couple years after reading this I actually visited Paris, and managed not to visit this street even though our hotel was literally two streets over. I am an idiot).
(NOTE: a couple years after reading this I actually visited Paris, and managed not to visit this street even though our hotel was literally two streets over. I am an idiot).
Book Log 2016 #32: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
I don't know how I never read this to now, but I apparently waited too long. I was nowhere nearly as amused by the book as friends of mine who read it in their younger years, and found the ending really abrupt. My teen self may have gotten this more than my current self; he certainly would have been more likely to read on in the series, something I'm going to skip.
I don't know how I never read this to now, but I apparently waited too long. I was nowhere nearly as amused by the book as friends of mine who read it in their younger years, and found the ending really abrupt. My teen self may have gotten this more than my current self; he certainly would have been more likely to read on in the series, something I'm going to skip.
25 December 2016
Book Log 2016 #31: Mortal Causes by Ian Rankin
OK, so after feeling like the previous book in the series really started to put things together for me, I can remember almost nothing about this book. The synopsis mentions how the murder in this book is linked to sectarian groups, organized crime, and a potential terrorist act, but I have a hard time remembering specifics. Still, I'm guessing if you liked the previous books you'll like this one too. It would also help if I didn't wait so long between reading a book and writing about it.
OK, so after feeling like the previous book in the series really started to put things together for me, I can remember almost nothing about this book. The synopsis mentions how the murder in this book is linked to sectarian groups, organized crime, and a potential terrorist act, but I have a hard time remembering specifics. Still, I'm guessing if you liked the previous books you'll like this one too. It would also help if I didn't wait so long between reading a book and writing about it.
Book Log 2016 #30: The Black Book by Ian Rankin
A hotel fire five years in the past, the beating of one of John Rebus' colleagues, and a mysterious black notebook are all central to solving a recent murder. I felt like the series started to come together with this book, though it could be that I was familiar enough with the series at this point that I could start to connect the longer story arcs while still enjoying the book-specific plot. Anyway, beginning to really like the series.
A hotel fire five years in the past, the beating of one of John Rebus' colleagues, and a mysterious black notebook are all central to solving a recent murder. I felt like the series started to come together with this book, though it could be that I was familiar enough with the series at this point that I could start to connect the longer story arcs while still enjoying the book-specific plot. Anyway, beginning to really like the series.
Book Log 2016 #29: Deep South by Paul Theroux
Theroux turns his wanderlust inwards, trading international train travel for long drives into Dixie, where he turns his usual inquisitiveness on his fellow Americans. Theroux displays his usual ability to connect with locals and pull their stories out of them, helping to give definition to living in the modern US south. The decision to revisit locations and people during the four seasons of the book provided added depth as well.
On the down side, I did find the book lapsing too close to stereotype at times, and the variety of asides only served to slow down a narrative that was already taking its time. Still, I would much rather have new travel writing from Paul Theroux than none at all.
Theroux turns his wanderlust inwards, trading international train travel for long drives into Dixie, where he turns his usual inquisitiveness on his fellow Americans. Theroux displays his usual ability to connect with locals and pull their stories out of them, helping to give definition to living in the modern US south. The decision to revisit locations and people during the four seasons of the book provided added depth as well.
On the down side, I did find the book lapsing too close to stereotype at times, and the variety of asides only served to slow down a narrative that was already taking its time. Still, I would much rather have new travel writing from Paul Theroux than none at all.
Book Log 2016 #28: Ghostwritten by David Mitchell
I don't recall a great deal about this book, but I do remember liking it. It's a bit like Cloud Atlas in its examination of the interconnectedness of humanity, but told in more of a linear style (not completely linear, but moreso than Cloud Atlas). Definitely worth a read.
I don't recall a great deal about this book, but I do remember liking it. It's a bit like Cloud Atlas in its examination of the interconnectedness of humanity, but told in more of a linear style (not completely linear, but moreso than Cloud Atlas). Definitely worth a read.
24 December 2016
Book Log 2016 #27: The Hanging Girl by Jussi Adler-Olsen
A police officer's suicide goads Carl Morck and Department Q to take on a cold case involving a teenage girl found hanging in a tree, a location initially ascribed to being hit by a truck. The dead officer left behind a mountain of information accumulated during his own investigation, creating its own obstacle for Morck and company. As they get deeper into the case, it appears that an alternative religious community (or more accurately, its charismatic leader) may be to blame.
I still don't think this series has gotten back to the quality of its early books, but I do think this is better than, say, The Marco Effect. What I don't know is if this is an issue with the translation, a lack of new ideas for cases, or difficulties in trying to balance the cases with the other subplots (Assad's mysterious past, Rose's mental health, and the building site ambush that left Carl's colleague turned housemate paralyzed). Still worth working through, I think, but it may be time to either wrap up some of these stories or take a book or two to make them the main story so there's some progress.
A police officer's suicide goads Carl Morck and Department Q to take on a cold case involving a teenage girl found hanging in a tree, a location initially ascribed to being hit by a truck. The dead officer left behind a mountain of information accumulated during his own investigation, creating its own obstacle for Morck and company. As they get deeper into the case, it appears that an alternative religious community (or more accurately, its charismatic leader) may be to blame.
I still don't think this series has gotten back to the quality of its early books, but I do think this is better than, say, The Marco Effect. What I don't know is if this is an issue with the translation, a lack of new ideas for cases, or difficulties in trying to balance the cases with the other subplots (Assad's mysterious past, Rose's mental health, and the building site ambush that left Carl's colleague turned housemate paralyzed). Still worth working through, I think, but it may be time to either wrap up some of these stories or take a book or two to make them the main story so there's some progress.
Book Log 2016 #26: In the Beginning... Was the Command Line by Neal Stephenson
This article/blogpost/short book about looks at computer operating systems, comparing proprietary software (like Windows) to free software (like UNIX and its progeny) and positing that the for-pay systems would eventually fall by the wayside.
That didn't happen, and in some ways reality unfolded in an almost exact opposite way, with Windows continuing to be ubiquitous and Mac OS X combining GUI with a UNIX-based backing (Stephenson himself became an OS X user, and admits that most of this article is now obsolete).
All of that being said, it's an interesting piece of writing and worth reading to get a taste of computing at the time.
This article/blogpost/short book about looks at computer operating systems, comparing proprietary software (like Windows) to free software (like UNIX and its progeny) and positing that the for-pay systems would eventually fall by the wayside.
That didn't happen, and in some ways reality unfolded in an almost exact opposite way, with Windows continuing to be ubiquitous and Mac OS X combining GUI with a UNIX-based backing (Stephenson himself became an OS X user, and admits that most of this article is now obsolete).
All of that being said, it's an interesting piece of writing and worth reading to get a taste of computing at the time.
Book Log 2016 #25: Unlocked by John Scalzi
In his novel Lock In (which I've read but apparently forgot to log; it's really good, go read it), we're introduced to a world which has become accustomed to the effects of Haden's Syndrome, a virally-created condition where people become entrapped in their bodies, cognitively unimpaired but stuck in a body that no longer moves. Technology has bridged the gap, allowing those afflicted to be part of the world again through a robot-like device popularly called a threep. It's an interesting book about what makes us human, and what it means to be part of society and personal communities.
Unlocked is an oral history of Haden's, providing several first-person accounts as to how the disease started, progressed, and was discovered to leave its victims mentally whole but unable to let anyone know it. It's a brisk read - novella length and well-written to tell the story of the disease and the people touched by it - and an excellent companion piece to the novel.
In his novel Lock In (which I've read but apparently forgot to log; it's really good, go read it), we're introduced to a world which has become accustomed to the effects of Haden's Syndrome, a virally-created condition where people become entrapped in their bodies, cognitively unimpaired but stuck in a body that no longer moves. Technology has bridged the gap, allowing those afflicted to be part of the world again through a robot-like device popularly called a threep. It's an interesting book about what makes us human, and what it means to be part of society and personal communities.
Unlocked is an oral history of Haden's, providing several first-person accounts as to how the disease started, progressed, and was discovered to leave its victims mentally whole but unable to let anyone know it. It's a brisk read - novella length and well-written to tell the story of the disease and the people touched by it - and an excellent companion piece to the novel.
23 December 2016
Book Log 2016 #24: Island in the Sea of Time by S.M. Stirling
I've been reading Stirling's Emberverse series for some time now (I'm also apparently a couple of books behind), but hadn't started its precursor series, where the same event that changed the laws of physics here caused Nantucket to be sent back in time to the Bronze Age. This is the first book in that series, where the hearty New Englanders, aided by the crew of a Coast Guard ship that was close enough to the island to get sent back as well, do their best to maintain the American way of life a good 3000 years before America even existed.
I generally liked the book, but did have two issues with it:
1. I didn't find the plot line where a group of idealistic believers in "noble savages" takes off to live like the natives to be all that believable. That the group had a healthy contingent of people who saw this as a shortcut to becoming a king was more believable. What finally happens to this group is very believable.
2. The book was too damn long, a complaint I've had with several of the Emberverse novels. This has actually kept me from moving on to the second book. I assume I will at some point.
I've been reading Stirling's Emberverse series for some time now (I'm also apparently a couple of books behind), but hadn't started its precursor series, where the same event that changed the laws of physics here caused Nantucket to be sent back in time to the Bronze Age. This is the first book in that series, where the hearty New Englanders, aided by the crew of a Coast Guard ship that was close enough to the island to get sent back as well, do their best to maintain the American way of life a good 3000 years before America even existed.
I generally liked the book, but did have two issues with it:
1. I didn't find the plot line where a group of idealistic believers in "noble savages" takes off to live like the natives to be all that believable. That the group had a healthy contingent of people who saw this as a shortcut to becoming a king was more believable. What finally happens to this group is very believable.
2. The book was too damn long, a complaint I've had with several of the Emberverse novels. This has actually kept me from moving on to the second book. I assume I will at some point.
Book Log 2016 #23: Pacific by Simon Winchester
I liked this book more than I did Atlantic, probably because I had less of an issue with how he organized the book (and I was likely nitpickier about Atlantic as I live on the Atlantic coast). I do recall having some doubt about his discussion over China, but not what I had issues with, so it couldn't have been that bad.
I liked this book more than I did Atlantic, probably because I had less of an issue with how he organized the book (and I was likely nitpickier about Atlantic as I live on the Atlantic coast). I do recall having some doubt about his discussion over China, but not what I had issues with, so it couldn't have been that bad.
Book Log 2016 #22: The Polish Officer by Alan Furst
Honestly, I don't remember reading this. The synopsis sounds vaguely familiar, but I can't come up with any details. It's been a while since I've read it, but I can at least usually remember some random bits and have a general sense of how much I liked the book. For this one, though, nothing. It was probably fine, or at least not bad enough that I remember.
Honestly, I don't remember reading this. The synopsis sounds vaguely familiar, but I can't come up with any details. It's been a while since I've read it, but I can at least usually remember some random bits and have a general sense of how much I liked the book. For this one, though, nothing. It was probably fine, or at least not bad enough that I remember.
22 December 2016
Book Log 2016 #21: Strip Jack by Ian Rankin
A popular local politician is picked up in a raid on a brothel that goes awry. Soon after that, the politician's wife disappears. John Rebus senses a set-up, and when bodies start to appear and more questions are raised, the question becomes who wants to hand the politician out to dry, and why are they going to these sorts of lengths to do so?
This is the fourth book in the series, and you can start to feel the groove it's beginning to fit into (in a good way).
A popular local politician is picked up in a raid on a brothel that goes awry. Soon after that, the politician's wife disappears. John Rebus senses a set-up, and when bodies start to appear and more questions are raised, the question becomes who wants to hand the politician out to dry, and why are they going to these sorts of lengths to do so?
This is the fourth book in the series, and you can start to feel the groove it's beginning to fit into (in a good way).
Book Log 2016 #20: Up, Up and Away by Jonah Keri
So we went to Montreal for a few days this past summer, and I spent some time trying to decide on what regionally-appropriate literature to pair with the trip. I was all set to pick up some Mordecai Richler, and then the hold I put out on this book came up. Goodbye Barney's Version, hello Montreal Expos!
This history of this star-crossed and doomed franchise is told in great and entertaining detail, as befits a book written by a fan. Keri's personal investment with the team is clear, as the story of the team is interspersed throughout with personal memories and observations, which adds depth and texture to an already engrossing narrative. Perhaps the biggest surprise was that after reading this, I actually felt slightly sympathetic for Jeffrey Loria, the owner who sold the team to Major League Baseball and more or less sealed its relocation fate (note: only slightly sympathetic, I still think on the whole baseball would have been better off if Loria never became an owner).
An excellent book for baseball fans, especially those who remember the Expos as a going concern.
So we went to Montreal for a few days this past summer, and I spent some time trying to decide on what regionally-appropriate literature to pair with the trip. I was all set to pick up some Mordecai Richler, and then the hold I put out on this book came up. Goodbye Barney's Version, hello Montreal Expos!
This history of this star-crossed and doomed franchise is told in great and entertaining detail, as befits a book written by a fan. Keri's personal investment with the team is clear, as the story of the team is interspersed throughout with personal memories and observations, which adds depth and texture to an already engrossing narrative. Perhaps the biggest surprise was that after reading this, I actually felt slightly sympathetic for Jeffrey Loria, the owner who sold the team to Major League Baseball and more or less sealed its relocation fate (note: only slightly sympathetic, I still think on the whole baseball would have been better off if Loria never became an owner).
An excellent book for baseball fans, especially those who remember the Expos as a going concern.
Book Log 2016 #19: The Memory Key by Conor Fitzgerald
A professor whose memory tricks may hold the link between a cold case involving a fascist terrorist and the recent death of a university student - if only Italian police commissario Alec Blume was assigned to the case. Instead, he has to shadow the investigations while also trying to hold together his relationship with a fellow officer, which has gone south since they moved in together.
I still like this series, but I do feel like the more recent entries haven't been as interesting as the first two. Don't know if it's the cases or if the romantic interest part of it has moved too quickly for my taste. Still good, though.
A professor whose memory tricks may hold the link between a cold case involving a fascist terrorist and the recent death of a university student - if only Italian police commissario Alec Blume was assigned to the case. Instead, he has to shadow the investigations while also trying to hold together his relationship with a fellow officer, which has gone south since they moved in together.
I still like this series, but I do feel like the more recent entries haven't been as interesting as the first two. Don't know if it's the cases or if the romantic interest part of it has moved too quickly for my taste. Still good, though.
21 December 2016
Book Log 2016 #18: Mission to Paris by Alan Furst
An American actor arrives in Paris to make a movie, and the Nazis, seeing a potential propaganda coup, pressure him to give favorable impressions about the regime to the local media. As that pressure becomes more palpabale, the actor (who is no fan of the Nazis) is drafted into an amateur spy role for the US. Throw in the required attractive woman and you have another well-crafted thriller.
It's interesting to compare Furst's novels with the Turtledove books I've been down on. There is a definite pattern to Furst's novels - an amateur pressed into spy work to fight the Nazis, trying to delay the inevitable and save the girl against the backdrop of Europe on the brink of war - but unlike Turtledove there's enough variety in setting and story to make the pattern more of a framework and less of a device to add pages. It does help that Furst's series isn't tied to a particular set of characters, allowing him to explore different aspects of prewar Europe rather than try to find new ways to make old characters interesting.
In any case, if you like the other novels in the series, you'll like this one too.
An American actor arrives in Paris to make a movie, and the Nazis, seeing a potential propaganda coup, pressure him to give favorable impressions about the regime to the local media. As that pressure becomes more palpabale, the actor (who is no fan of the Nazis) is drafted into an amateur spy role for the US. Throw in the required attractive woman and you have another well-crafted thriller.
It's interesting to compare Furst's novels with the Turtledove books I've been down on. There is a definite pattern to Furst's novels - an amateur pressed into spy work to fight the Nazis, trying to delay the inevitable and save the girl against the backdrop of Europe on the brink of war - but unlike Turtledove there's enough variety in setting and story to make the pattern more of a framework and less of a device to add pages. It does help that Furst's series isn't tied to a particular set of characters, allowing him to explore different aspects of prewar Europe rather than try to find new ways to make old characters interesting.
In any case, if you like the other novels in the series, you'll like this one too.
Book Log 2016 #17: Tooth and Nail by Ian Rankin
It's been long enough since I've read this to not remember any particular feelings about this entry in the John Rebus series, which sees Rebus sent to London to help the locals solve a serial killing where the murderer likes to bite his victims. I'm sure it was fine.
It's been long enough since I've read this to not remember any particular feelings about this entry in the John Rebus series, which sees Rebus sent to London to help the locals solve a serial killing where the murderer likes to bite his victims. I'm sure it was fine.
Book Log 2016 #16: Bombs Away by Harry Turtledove
American forces in Korea find themselves increasingly trapped, as Chinese soldiers pour into the country to support their fraternal communist Korean allies. President Truman, looking for ways to turn the tide, takes Douglas MacArthur's advice and drops a nuclear bomb on China. The Russians don't take kindly to nuking a fraternal Communist (for now) ally, and drop their own nuclear bomb in Europe.
And so starts Turtledove's latest war alternative history, turning a relatively localized affair into a potential World War III with mushroom clouds. It's pretty much along the lines of his previous war books, and while I liked it OK I'm concerned that future books in the series will follow the game plan in previous series, wrapping actual plot around repetitive pages about the banalities of war. I'll eventually give in and read the second book.
American forces in Korea find themselves increasingly trapped, as Chinese soldiers pour into the country to support their fraternal communist Korean allies. President Truman, looking for ways to turn the tide, takes Douglas MacArthur's advice and drops a nuclear bomb on China. The Russians don't take kindly to nuking a fraternal Communist (for now) ally, and drop their own nuclear bomb in Europe.
And so starts Turtledove's latest war alternative history, turning a relatively localized affair into a potential World War III with mushroom clouds. It's pretty much along the lines of his previous war books, and while I liked it OK I'm concerned that future books in the series will follow the game plan in previous series, wrapping actual plot around repetitive pages about the banalities of war. I'll eventually give in and read the second book.
20 December 2016
Book Log 2016 #15: The Bat by Jo Nesbo
Harry Hole is a detective on the Oslo crime squad, but we first meet him in Australia, where he's been sent to observe during a murder investigation where the victim is Norwegian. Of course, he can't stay out of the case, and quickly develops relationships that allow him to be part of the action, which (inevitably) points to a serial murderer.
I'd wanted to start this series for a while, both on reputation and on enjoying other Scandinavian crime series. But I just couldn't get into the book, and found that the things that were supposed to make me root for Harry as an anti-hero didn't do anything for me. I also found the book's treatment of Aboriginals a little patronizing.
Even so, I may pick this up again to see if the series improves, but I'm in no rush to do so.
Harry Hole is a detective on the Oslo crime squad, but we first meet him in Australia, where he's been sent to observe during a murder investigation where the victim is Norwegian. Of course, he can't stay out of the case, and quickly develops relationships that allow him to be part of the action, which (inevitably) points to a serial murderer.
I'd wanted to start this series for a while, both on reputation and on enjoying other Scandinavian crime series. But I just couldn't get into the book, and found that the things that were supposed to make me root for Harry as an anti-hero didn't do anything for me. I also found the book's treatment of Aboriginals a little patronizing.
Even so, I may pick this up again to see if the series improves, but I'm in no rush to do so.
Book Log 2016 #14: Last Orders by Harry Turtledove
The war that came early finally ends, with similar results to the actual World War II. Other than it being the end of the series, the book is still pretty similar to the preceding five installments, though with perhaps a little less repetition and page-filling as story lines get tied up.
I've really begun to sour on these longer series, too many books with too many characters who aren't doing enough interesting things to justify the page counts. And yet, as you'll see in a couple of entries, I still come back to them. So I should really complain the most about myself.
The war that came early finally ends, with similar results to the actual World War II. Other than it being the end of the series, the book is still pretty similar to the preceding five installments, though with perhaps a little less repetition and page-filling as story lines get tied up.
I've really begun to sour on these longer series, too many books with too many characters who aren't doing enough interesting things to justify the page counts. And yet, as you'll see in a couple of entries, I still come back to them. So I should really complain the most about myself.
Book Log 2016 #13: The Book on the Bookshelf by Henry Petroski
A book about the history of the book and the various methods for storing books? Right up my alley, and when coupled with Petroski's ability to explain design and technology in lay terms, I expected this to be really interesting and enjoyable.
Expectations subverted. This turned out to be a slog, with interesting bits hidden among copious (and too often tedious) detail. I think this would have been better if it weren't so linear in tracing the development of books, shelves, carrels, windows, etc. I'd also have liked more emphasis on the personal, as the book seemed to do best when Petroski talks about his home library or the libraries frequented while a student or during his academic career.
A book about the history of the book and the various methods for storing books? Right up my alley, and when coupled with Petroski's ability to explain design and technology in lay terms, I expected this to be really interesting and enjoyable.
Expectations subverted. This turned out to be a slog, with interesting bits hidden among copious (and too often tedious) detail. I think this would have been better if it weren't so linear in tracing the development of books, shelves, carrels, windows, etc. I'd also have liked more emphasis on the personal, as the book seemed to do best when Petroski talks about his home library or the libraries frequented while a student or during his academic career.
19 December 2016
Book Log 2016 #12: The Catcher Was a Spy by Nicholas Dawidoff
Even without the spying, Moe Berg would have been one of the more peculiar men to play major league baseball. He was an Ivy League-educated lawyer, had an interest in languages, and was an inveterate reader. That he managed 17 seasons is equally surprising, given his weak bat and lack of playing time (he only played in more than 100 games once). It seems like he was kept around as much for his rapport with pitchers and clubhouse presence than anything he did on the field.
In many ways that sums up Berg's life. He seems like the sort of guy who just showed up, and you didn't mind him hanging around.
As for the spying, the book suggests that his contributions in that area were as thin as those he made with his bat. It's as likely that Berg embellished his missions (such as photographing the Tokyo skyline while on an all-star tour and attending a physics lecture in Switzerland to potentially assassinate Werner Heisenberg) than they were actual assignments. The knack for embellishment crops up elsewhere in his life, as Berg's gift for langauge, while real, was not the fluency in a dozen tongues that it was made out to be, and his attempts to learn physics before going to Switzerland were a mixed bag at best.
All of this leads to the saddest part of the book, the chronicle of Berg's appearances after his retirement from baseball. These were typically unexpected (both in the coming and going), with several people noting that Berg would seem to recognize them, but then either ignore them or give a signal to not show recognition, almost as if he was on a spy mission. To me this reads as someone who is mentally ill and drifting to survive. It also makes me wonder if baseball was the one thing that kept Berg at least somewhat in reality (the author tries his hand at armchair psychology as well, focusing on Berg's relationship with his father, and he's probably closer to the mark than I am).
I'd wanted to read this for a while, and was a little disappointed in it, primarily in the post-baseball chronology of Berg sightings. I felt like it dragged a bit, though I can understand the desire to give as much information about Berg's life at a time when it was hard to pin him down. Maybe I'll like the film adaptation starring Paul Rudd better.
Even without the spying, Moe Berg would have been one of the more peculiar men to play major league baseball. He was an Ivy League-educated lawyer, had an interest in languages, and was an inveterate reader. That he managed 17 seasons is equally surprising, given his weak bat and lack of playing time (he only played in more than 100 games once). It seems like he was kept around as much for his rapport with pitchers and clubhouse presence than anything he did on the field.
In many ways that sums up Berg's life. He seems like the sort of guy who just showed up, and you didn't mind him hanging around.
As for the spying, the book suggests that his contributions in that area were as thin as those he made with his bat. It's as likely that Berg embellished his missions (such as photographing the Tokyo skyline while on an all-star tour and attending a physics lecture in Switzerland to potentially assassinate Werner Heisenberg) than they were actual assignments. The knack for embellishment crops up elsewhere in his life, as Berg's gift for langauge, while real, was not the fluency in a dozen tongues that it was made out to be, and his attempts to learn physics before going to Switzerland were a mixed bag at best.
All of this leads to the saddest part of the book, the chronicle of Berg's appearances after his retirement from baseball. These were typically unexpected (both in the coming and going), with several people noting that Berg would seem to recognize them, but then either ignore them or give a signal to not show recognition, almost as if he was on a spy mission. To me this reads as someone who is mentally ill and drifting to survive. It also makes me wonder if baseball was the one thing that kept Berg at least somewhat in reality (the author tries his hand at armchair psychology as well, focusing on Berg's relationship with his father, and he's probably closer to the mark than I am).
I'd wanted to read this for a while, and was a little disappointed in it, primarily in the post-baseball chronology of Berg sightings. I felt like it dragged a bit, though I can understand the desire to give as much information about Berg's life at a time when it was hard to pin him down. Maybe I'll like the film adaptation starring Paul Rudd better.
Book Log 2016 #11: Hide and Seek by Ian Rankin
So as you might have noticed, I've been pretty quiet until recently with regards to the Book Log. For this I blame Goodreads, which has allowed me to keep track of what I've read on my phone (where, coincidentally, I've been doing most of my reading) and even give a quick rating. This reduced the need to hurry out to the blog to put in a placeholder entry before I forgot what I'd read, and so here we are with me trying to recap 30-some odd books in December.
And as you can imagine, the time between reading and writing makes it difficult at best to come up with anything meaningful. I vaguely remember liking this, the second book in the Rebus series, but couldn't tell you much more than the blurb I've linked to above (and couldn't have even told you that much before Googling the title and Ian Rankin).
That being said, I remember liking the book, but I only gave it three stars on Goodreads, so there must have been something holding me back from going higher. Feel free to read this and tell me what it was.
So as you might have noticed, I've been pretty quiet until recently with regards to the Book Log. For this I blame Goodreads, which has allowed me to keep track of what I've read on my phone (where, coincidentally, I've been doing most of my reading) and even give a quick rating. This reduced the need to hurry out to the blog to put in a placeholder entry before I forgot what I'd read, and so here we are with me trying to recap 30-some odd books in December.
And as you can imagine, the time between reading and writing makes it difficult at best to come up with anything meaningful. I vaguely remember liking this, the second book in the Rebus series, but couldn't tell you much more than the blurb I've linked to above (and couldn't have even told you that much before Googling the title and Ian Rankin).
That being said, I remember liking the book, but I only gave it three stars on Goodreads, so there must have been something holding me back from going higher. Feel free to read this and tell me what it was.
14 December 2016
Book Log 2016 #10: Slade House by David Mitchell
This prequel to The Bone Clocks provides some background to the events of that novel, and provides a kind of origin story for the Anchorites, the cult that seeks immortality through the ingestion of souls. The history of the house and its inhabitants is told through a series of what are more like interconnected short stories rather than chapters, culminating in a clash with the Horologists that puts the very existence of Slade House in jeopardy.
I didn't like this as much as The Bone Clocks, though I did find it helpful in putting that book into better context within Mitchell's universe (it also provided some plot points that helped make connections with Cloud Atlas and The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet). Worth reading if you're already into Mitchell's works and want to get the full measure of their shared environment.
This prequel to The Bone Clocks provides some background to the events of that novel, and provides a kind of origin story for the Anchorites, the cult that seeks immortality through the ingestion of souls. The history of the house and its inhabitants is told through a series of what are more like interconnected short stories rather than chapters, culminating in a clash with the Horologists that puts the very existence of Slade House in jeopardy.
I didn't like this as much as The Bone Clocks, though I did find it helpful in putting that book into better context within Mitchell's universe (it also provided some plot points that helped make connections with Cloud Atlas and The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet). Worth reading if you're already into Mitchell's works and want to get the full measure of their shared environment.
Book Log 2016 #9: The Big Short by Michael Lewis
Good news: this is probably the best general explanation of what caused the worldwide financial meltdown about a decade ago. Bad news: it's still not particularly easy to understand.
OK, that may be an overstatement. On one level, it's perfectly easy to understand: financial institutions made ridiculous bets on certain classes of mortgage-based financial instruments, and the rating agencies that should have alerted the public that these instruments were basically failures waiting to happen did not do so. But on the next level, where Lewis explains just how these instruments were created and traded, was hard for me to understand. To be fair, I have zero background in finance, but it was frustrating that I couldn't pick up all the details.
That being said, the easier points to see regarding the failures of the financial industry to properly understand the potential catastrophe are important to keep in mind now that we appear to be heading back to a financial climate where this sort of thing could happen again.
Good news: this is probably the best general explanation of what caused the worldwide financial meltdown about a decade ago. Bad news: it's still not particularly easy to understand.
OK, that may be an overstatement. On one level, it's perfectly easy to understand: financial institutions made ridiculous bets on certain classes of mortgage-based financial instruments, and the rating agencies that should have alerted the public that these instruments were basically failures waiting to happen did not do so. But on the next level, where Lewis explains just how these instruments were created and traded, was hard for me to understand. To be fair, I have zero background in finance, but it was frustrating that I couldn't pick up all the details.
That being said, the easier points to see regarding the failures of the financial industry to properly understand the potential catastrophe are important to keep in mind now that we appear to be heading back to a financial climate where this sort of thing could happen again.
Book Log 2016 #8: The Last Bookaneer by Matthew Pearl
In the 19th century, when copyright law was lax and manuscripts still had to be sent out in hard copy, there was a thriving trade in stolen works, where bookaneers (a kind of literary pirate) would try to steal books so their employers could publish them before the official copies hit the street. As laws became tighter the practice faded away.
This novel follows one of the great bookaneers as he attempts one last, great score, traveling halfway across the world to steal what looks like the final work of Robert Louis Stevenson. Along the way he has to fight of his remaining rivals and deal with the political situation on Samoa (as local differences are stoked by Britain and Germany's rivalry) in the hopes of getting his hands on the book.
I didn't like this novel as much as Pearl's previous ones, for reasons I can't quite quantify (having read the book about eight months ago). Which isn't to say it's a bad book - I didn't know much about bookaneering before reading it, for example - but maybe not as much to my taste as the earlier novels. Still very much worth reading, though.
In the 19th century, when copyright law was lax and manuscripts still had to be sent out in hard copy, there was a thriving trade in stolen works, where bookaneers (a kind of literary pirate) would try to steal books so their employers could publish them before the official copies hit the street. As laws became tighter the practice faded away.
This novel follows one of the great bookaneers as he attempts one last, great score, traveling halfway across the world to steal what looks like the final work of Robert Louis Stevenson. Along the way he has to fight of his remaining rivals and deal with the political situation on Samoa (as local differences are stoked by Britain and Germany's rivalry) in the hopes of getting his hands on the book.
I didn't like this novel as much as Pearl's previous ones, for reasons I can't quite quantify (having read the book about eight months ago). Which isn't to say it's a bad book - I didn't know much about bookaneering before reading it, for example - but maybe not as much to my taste as the earlier novels. Still very much worth reading, though.
09 November 2016
The other thing I've been thinking about today is the First Rule of Economics over at Charlie Pierce's blog on Esquire - "Fk The Deficit. People Got No Jobs. People Got No Money" - and the seeds of voter discontent.
Among the inevitable unpacking of results, I expect we'll find that one of the themes of why people voted Trump was economic uncertainty. The idea that even with improvements in employment and (although lagging) higher wages, there isn't a feeling of financial security, that people can't save for larger expenses and aren't confident that what work they do have is going to provide for their family (or even continue).
Which leads to this question - what if, rather than spending the bulk of his political capital and Democratic majorities in Congress getting the Affordable Care Act passed, President Obama focused on a comprehensive recovery and jobs bill? I know, there were a number of measures passed along these lines, but I can't help but think that the seeds yesterday's results were sown when the recovery seemed to benefit the financial sector (and largely passed on holding anyone accountable) at the expense of individual workers.
Among the inevitable unpacking of results, I expect we'll find that one of the themes of why people voted Trump was economic uncertainty. The idea that even with improvements in employment and (although lagging) higher wages, there isn't a feeling of financial security, that people can't save for larger expenses and aren't confident that what work they do have is going to provide for their family (or even continue).
Which leads to this question - what if, rather than spending the bulk of his political capital and Democratic majorities in Congress getting the Affordable Care Act passed, President Obama focused on a comprehensive recovery and jobs bill? I know, there were a number of measures passed along these lines, but I can't help but think that the seeds yesterday's results were sown when the recovery seemed to benefit the financial sector (and largely passed on holding anyone accountable) at the expense of individual workers.
I've been thinking a lot about Scott Brown today.
Brown, as some of you may know, was the Republican state senator who parlayed the popular anger over whatever people were angry about in 2010 to win the special election to complete the US Senate term of Teddy Kennedy. He did so by beating Martha Coakley, the somewhat flawed and uneasy campaigner who was, at the time, the state's attorney general.
A Republican of middling talents fueled by populism taking a surprise victory from a more experienced Democratic woman.
Sound familiar?
For those of you wondering how history might repeat itself, Brown lost his re-election bid to Elizabeth Warren. Ponder that.
Thinking about Brown also has me realizing that, as an early Trump supporter, he could wind up being the US ambassador to the UN or something. I need to stop thinking about Scott Brown.
Brown, as some of you may know, was the Republican state senator who parlayed the popular anger over whatever people were angry about in 2010 to win the special election to complete the US Senate term of Teddy Kennedy. He did so by beating Martha Coakley, the somewhat flawed and uneasy campaigner who was, at the time, the state's attorney general.
A Republican of middling talents fueled by populism taking a surprise victory from a more experienced Democratic woman.
Sound familiar?
For those of you wondering how history might repeat itself, Brown lost his re-election bid to Elizabeth Warren. Ponder that.
Thinking about Brown also has me realizing that, as an early Trump supporter, he could wind up being the US ambassador to the UN or something. I need to stop thinking about Scott Brown.
22 October 2016
With less than 20 days to go until the election, it's time for a semi-annual tradition: the coveted Blogalicious endorsements!
Local Races
We have local races for state representative, Governor's Council, and Essex County sheriff. Blogalicious endorses voting for somebody. Honestly, I have no real feel for any of these races, but there are two interesting notes:
Four statewide questions in Massachusetts this year:
Question 1 would allow for the licensing of a new slot machine parlor. The way it's written limits the location of the parlor to horse tracks, pretty much limiting its location to Suffolk Downs.
We're not against gambling per se, but another slots parlor on top of Plainridge Park, the Wynn casino in Everett, the MGM casino in Springfield, Twin River in Rhode Island, and Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods in Connecticut, just means the regional share of gambling revenue will just be split that much more narrowly. Suffolk Downs is ripe for redevelopment now that it no longer offers regular horse racing, but it needs a plan that can stand on its own. Blogalicious endorses a NO vote on Question 1.
Question 2 would lift the cap on charter schools in the state and allow the approval of 12 new schools (or increased enrollment at existing schools) each year. We're against commodifying public services on principle, and stories like this give us little faith in what is essentially for-profit primary and secondary education. Charter schools with appropriate local control and oversight have their place, but it should be within a revamped public school framework, not by opening the door to the likes of Michelle Rhee. Blogalicious endorses a NO vote on Question 2
Question 3 would ban the confinement of pigs, veal calves, and egg-laying hens where they cannot enjoy a certain freedom of motion. It also bans the sale of products from animals raised in overly-confined space.
This sounds like a good thing - who among us wants to be intentionally cruel to animals? - but it's an odd question for our state, where only one farm uses methods the question would ban (the linked story is a pretty good overview of both sides of the question). There's also the question of how this will impact food costs, especially for lower income families and individuals. Similarly, the ban on out of state products may weigh more heavily on smaller businesses, who don't have the resources to independently verify that the products they're buying were raised properly.
To our mind, this is probably an issue better served by a more thorough investigation by the legislature that results in legislation better tailored to farming practices in Massachusetts (we can dream, can't we?). Blogalicious endorses a NO vote on Question 3
Question 4 would see Massachusetts follow Colorado and Washington in legalizing marijuana use for anyone 21 and older. Individuals would be allowed to use, grow, and possess marijuana subject to certain guidelines and limitations (no use in public, limits to amounts one can possess and grow at any one time). A state board would regulate the sale and taxation of marijuana and related products.
Supporters see this as a common sense move that would put marijuana on par with alcohol and tobacco, provide new revenue, and remove non-violent drug offenses from court dockets. Opponents voice concern over public health and safety, the potential accessibility of marijuana for minors, and consequences for cities and towns home to marijuana stores (as depicted in a charmingly absurd TV ad).
We understand the concerns of those opposed to legalization, and there would clearly be a need to review how this gets implemented and what impacts it has on individuals and communities, but looking at other states, their experience suggests that the benefits of "legalize and tax" outweigh the negatives. Blogalicious endorses a YES vote on Question 4
President
We often endorse a third party option here - though usually in general (more than once) - and this seems like the perfect year to follow the trend. Neither major party candidate is especially well-liked, both have significant baggage, and the two best-known third-party candidates are back from the 2012 campaign (Gary Johnson for the Libertarians, Jill Stein for the Greens). And then there's Evan McMullen, the conservative independent whose run is motivated by providing an alternative to Donald Trump for Republicans.
But these options have their drawbacks as well. Gary Johnson showed his limitations on foreign policy with his Aleppo moment and inability to name a world leader. Jill Stein has gone around the bend in her quest for votes, courting both anti-vaxxers and 9/11 truthers. Evan McMullin is in the best position to win electoral votes, but his road to victory involves the election going to Congress (he's also only on the ballot in 11 states).
Which leaves us with Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. And if the Arizona Republic, which has never endorsed a Democrat in its 126 year history, opts to do so, it's a pretty clear sign. Trump is woefully underqualified and tempermentally unfit to serve as the leader of the free world. Blogalicious endorses Hillary Clinton.
Local Races
We have local races for state representative, Governor's Council, and Essex County sheriff. Blogalicious endorses voting for somebody. Honestly, I have no real feel for any of these races, but there are two interesting notes:
- The state representative race features an incumbent Democrat versus a candidate from the United Independent party, a reform-minded party originally formed for the 2014 governor's race. The UI candidate is a bit of a local gadfly, having run for other offices as a Libertarian and an independent.
- The sheriff's race is the first one in decades that does not involve the current sheriff, who is retiring. It's a four way race with a Republican with a background in corrections, a Democrat who is currently the police chief in Lynn, and two independents.
Four statewide questions in Massachusetts this year:
Question 1 would allow for the licensing of a new slot machine parlor. The way it's written limits the location of the parlor to horse tracks, pretty much limiting its location to Suffolk Downs.
We're not against gambling per se, but another slots parlor on top of Plainridge Park, the Wynn casino in Everett, the MGM casino in Springfield, Twin River in Rhode Island, and Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods in Connecticut, just means the regional share of gambling revenue will just be split that much more narrowly. Suffolk Downs is ripe for redevelopment now that it no longer offers regular horse racing, but it needs a plan that can stand on its own. Blogalicious endorses a NO vote on Question 1.
Question 2 would lift the cap on charter schools in the state and allow the approval of 12 new schools (or increased enrollment at existing schools) each year. We're against commodifying public services on principle, and stories like this give us little faith in what is essentially for-profit primary and secondary education. Charter schools with appropriate local control and oversight have their place, but it should be within a revamped public school framework, not by opening the door to the likes of Michelle Rhee. Blogalicious endorses a NO vote on Question 2
Question 3 would ban the confinement of pigs, veal calves, and egg-laying hens where they cannot enjoy a certain freedom of motion. It also bans the sale of products from animals raised in overly-confined space.
This sounds like a good thing - who among us wants to be intentionally cruel to animals? - but it's an odd question for our state, where only one farm uses methods the question would ban (the linked story is a pretty good overview of both sides of the question). There's also the question of how this will impact food costs, especially for lower income families and individuals. Similarly, the ban on out of state products may weigh more heavily on smaller businesses, who don't have the resources to independently verify that the products they're buying were raised properly.
To our mind, this is probably an issue better served by a more thorough investigation by the legislature that results in legislation better tailored to farming practices in Massachusetts (we can dream, can't we?). Blogalicious endorses a NO vote on Question 3
Question 4 would see Massachusetts follow Colorado and Washington in legalizing marijuana use for anyone 21 and older. Individuals would be allowed to use, grow, and possess marijuana subject to certain guidelines and limitations (no use in public, limits to amounts one can possess and grow at any one time). A state board would regulate the sale and taxation of marijuana and related products.
Supporters see this as a common sense move that would put marijuana on par with alcohol and tobacco, provide new revenue, and remove non-violent drug offenses from court dockets. Opponents voice concern over public health and safety, the potential accessibility of marijuana for minors, and consequences for cities and towns home to marijuana stores (as depicted in a charmingly absurd TV ad).
We understand the concerns of those opposed to legalization, and there would clearly be a need to review how this gets implemented and what impacts it has on individuals and communities, but looking at other states, their experience suggests that the benefits of "legalize and tax" outweigh the negatives. Blogalicious endorses a YES vote on Question 4
President
We often endorse a third party option here - though usually in general (more than once) - and this seems like the perfect year to follow the trend. Neither major party candidate is especially well-liked, both have significant baggage, and the two best-known third-party candidates are back from the 2012 campaign (Gary Johnson for the Libertarians, Jill Stein for the Greens). And then there's Evan McMullen, the conservative independent whose run is motivated by providing an alternative to Donald Trump for Republicans.
But these options have their drawbacks as well. Gary Johnson showed his limitations on foreign policy with his Aleppo moment and inability to name a world leader. Jill Stein has gone around the bend in her quest for votes, courting both anti-vaxxers and 9/11 truthers. Evan McMullin is in the best position to win electoral votes, but his road to victory involves the election going to Congress (he's also only on the ballot in 11 states).
Which leaves us with Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. And if the Arizona Republic, which has never endorsed a Democrat in its 126 year history, opts to do so, it's a pretty clear sign. Trump is woefully underqualified and tempermentally unfit to serve as the leader of the free world. Blogalicious endorses Hillary Clinton.
20 August 2016
Book Log 2016 #7: The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell
As someone whose experience with David Mitchell started with the unique narrative of Cloud Atlas and then moved to the supernatural sprawl of The Bone Clocks, this book proved to be a total surprise given that it is a fairly straightforward historical novel. The very good news is that Mitchell is as skilled with the straightforward as he is with the experimental and fantastical.
Jacob is a young Dutchman who has signed on with the Dutch East India company to serve at it Japanese outpost, whose provision of copper to headquarters in Batavia is critical to the continued operation of the outposts. He is there to earn enough money and status to marry (his intended is back at home), but he quickly falls afoul of a faction of his coworkers who are using the trading post for their own enrichment. This is compounded by his smuggling in of a psalter (religious books being banned by the Japanese), which further exposes Jacob to risk.
Jacob also proves to be a quick convert to local ways, befriending an interpreter and falling for a local midwife. He doesn't go fully native, but he develops an interest and sympathy in Japanese ways pretty quickly, and risks his future as a married man of means to get closer to the midwife, thanks in part to the outpost's doctor, who is providing medical training to the locals.
Jacob finds himself tested in various ways - when the midwife disappears, whe she's discovered to be working at a mysterious fertility cult, and when the British pay a less than pleasant visit to the outpost (among other things). It's these clashes that shape the story, and show how this young, pious, naive man grows and becomes everything he is expected to be, and a bit more.
Very much recommended.
As someone whose experience with David Mitchell started with the unique narrative of Cloud Atlas and then moved to the supernatural sprawl of The Bone Clocks, this book proved to be a total surprise given that it is a fairly straightforward historical novel. The very good news is that Mitchell is as skilled with the straightforward as he is with the experimental and fantastical.
Jacob is a young Dutchman who has signed on with the Dutch East India company to serve at it Japanese outpost, whose provision of copper to headquarters in Batavia is critical to the continued operation of the outposts. He is there to earn enough money and status to marry (his intended is back at home), but he quickly falls afoul of a faction of his coworkers who are using the trading post for their own enrichment. This is compounded by his smuggling in of a psalter (religious books being banned by the Japanese), which further exposes Jacob to risk.
Jacob also proves to be a quick convert to local ways, befriending an interpreter and falling for a local midwife. He doesn't go fully native, but he develops an interest and sympathy in Japanese ways pretty quickly, and risks his future as a married man of means to get closer to the midwife, thanks in part to the outpost's doctor, who is providing medical training to the locals.
Jacob finds himself tested in various ways - when the midwife disappears, whe she's discovered to be working at a mysterious fertility cult, and when the British pay a less than pleasant visit to the outpost (among other things). It's these clashes that shape the story, and show how this young, pious, naive man grows and becomes everything he is expected to be, and a bit more.
Very much recommended.
Book Log 2016 #6: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
This is one of those books I'd always meant to read, but never got around to actually picking up. That was until Goodreads suggested it, and with it in my mind again I finally read it. And I liked it, seeing how it served as a blueprint for books like The Executioner's Song and the works of writers like Michael Lewis and Ben Mezrich.
Questions about the book's accuracy remain - as seen in reviewing the fact-checking of The New Yorker and claims that Capote covered up a delay in the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's work that may have allowed the killers to strike again. This is troubling if not surprising, as claims of inaccuracy often dog books that blur the line between fact and fiction (I didn't mention Mezrich for nothing). I've tried to approach books in this genre by appreciating the writing while understanding that the narrative has been massaged. It's the degree to which it's been massaged that determines my comfort zone, and I generally think In Cold Blood stays within it.
This is one of those books I'd always meant to read, but never got around to actually picking up. That was until Goodreads suggested it, and with it in my mind again I finally read it. And I liked it, seeing how it served as a blueprint for books like The Executioner's Song and the works of writers like Michael Lewis and Ben Mezrich.
Questions about the book's accuracy remain - as seen in reviewing the fact-checking of The New Yorker and claims that Capote covered up a delay in the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's work that may have allowed the killers to strike again. This is troubling if not surprising, as claims of inaccuracy often dog books that blur the line between fact and fiction (I didn't mention Mezrich for nothing). I've tried to approach books in this genre by appreciating the writing while understanding that the narrative has been massaged. It's the degree to which it's been massaged that determines my comfort zone, and I generally think In Cold Blood stays within it.
07 June 2016
Book Log 2016 #5: Dictator by Robert Harris
Ten years after the first book in the trilogy, we finally get the closing volume in this fictional biography of Cicero, covering his exile from Rome to his death. And while it was a long wait, it was worth the wait.
In this end part of his life, Cicero is down but not out of Roman politics, finding a way to remain relevant while the republic descends into empire. For every reversal that could see Cicero finally put out to pasture - or worse - there comes another change that rises him up, putting him in the mix with the new leaders of Rome and making him a pivotal figure in restoring the republic or supporting the great men of the Triumvirate (and occasionally both, as fortunes turn). We do get a little more insight into Cicero's personal life, too, but as that part of the story fades we get the sense that for Cicero, his personal life was his public life.
A fine end to an excellent trilogy. Worth reading all at once, I think, if you've not read any of the books yet.
(Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book set in Europe)
Ten years after the first book in the trilogy, we finally get the closing volume in this fictional biography of Cicero, covering his exile from Rome to his death. And while it was a long wait, it was worth the wait.
In this end part of his life, Cicero is down but not out of Roman politics, finding a way to remain relevant while the republic descends into empire. For every reversal that could see Cicero finally put out to pasture - or worse - there comes another change that rises him up, putting him in the mix with the new leaders of Rome and making him a pivotal figure in restoring the republic or supporting the great men of the Triumvirate (and occasionally both, as fortunes turn). We do get a little more insight into Cicero's personal life, too, but as that part of the story fades we get the sense that for Cicero, his personal life was his public life.
A fine end to an excellent trilogy. Worth reading all at once, I think, if you've not read any of the books yet.
(Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book set in Europe)
Book Log 2016 #4: The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
I know I'm late to reading this - it was pretty much required in the aftermath of Five Thirty Eight's impressive performance in predicting the results of the 2012 Presidential election - but it's another presidential election year, so I figured it was a good time to catch up.
As much as I enjoy the Five Thirty Eight website, I struggled to get through this book. Partly it was from the explanations of the math and science behind forecasting - it doesn't require specialized knowledge, but there are the occasional points where it would help - and partly it was not having more of a discussion of political analysis and polling. There is plenty of that, of course, but there are also discussions of weather forecasting, poker, and other topics that are used to illustrate points and demonstrate how people get in the way of what the data is telling them. So in some respect, the problem with the book for me was that it wasn't the book I wanted it to be. Which is really my problem.
In any case, if this sort of thing interests you, it's worth picking up, if for no other reason than to get some grounding in Bayseian analysis, which underpins much (if not all) of Silver's work and, increasingly, the work of other forecasters.
(Popsugar Reading Challenge: A New York Times best-seller)
I know I'm late to reading this - it was pretty much required in the aftermath of Five Thirty Eight's impressive performance in predicting the results of the 2012 Presidential election - but it's another presidential election year, so I figured it was a good time to catch up.
As much as I enjoy the Five Thirty Eight website, I struggled to get through this book. Partly it was from the explanations of the math and science behind forecasting - it doesn't require specialized knowledge, but there are the occasional points where it would help - and partly it was not having more of a discussion of political analysis and polling. There is plenty of that, of course, but there are also discussions of weather forecasting, poker, and other topics that are used to illustrate points and demonstrate how people get in the way of what the data is telling them. So in some respect, the problem with the book for me was that it wasn't the book I wanted it to be. Which is really my problem.
In any case, if this sort of thing interests you, it's worth picking up, if for no other reason than to get some grounding in Bayseian analysis, which underpins much (if not all) of Silver's work and, increasingly, the work of other forecasters.
(Popsugar Reading Challenge: A New York Times best-seller)
26 May 2016
Book Log 2016 #3: The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
So the good news in 2016 is that I've started using Goodreads to keep track of what I've read and what I would like to read in the future. The bad news is that after I finish the book and rate it, I forget to come over here to write about it. So I've got about a 10 book backlog and vague memories at best of what I thought about each.
I am less vague in my feelings on this book, which I really liked. Lost in the story of Jesse Owens is this tale of how a group of college kids from the University of Washington challenged the best that the US and the world could offer, and came out on top (spoiler alert, I suppose). The book focuses on a few of the rowers, their coach, and the boat builder who supplied their shell (and those used by many of their opponents as well). And for knowing how things turn out, it's a compelling read that still manages to build tension during the races that build up to the final race.
If you're looking for a good read in this Olympic year, pick this one up.
(Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book recommended by a family member. My wife gave this to me for Christmas, which I'm taking as a recommendation.)
So the good news in 2016 is that I've started using Goodreads to keep track of what I've read and what I would like to read in the future. The bad news is that after I finish the book and rate it, I forget to come over here to write about it. So I've got about a 10 book backlog and vague memories at best of what I thought about each.
I am less vague in my feelings on this book, which I really liked. Lost in the story of Jesse Owens is this tale of how a group of college kids from the University of Washington challenged the best that the US and the world could offer, and came out on top (spoiler alert, I suppose). The book focuses on a few of the rowers, their coach, and the boat builder who supplied their shell (and those used by many of their opponents as well). And for knowing how things turn out, it's a compelling read that still manages to build tension during the races that build up to the final race.
If you're looking for a good read in this Olympic year, pick this one up.
(Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book recommended by a family member. My wife gave this to me for Christmas, which I'm taking as a recommendation.)
26 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 40: This blog may not be the best example
PSA for Catholic Charities aside, I thought the idea of putting faith into action was a good one to end on. Not that I have much faith (at least in the church as an institution), and blogging isn't much of an action (especially as most, if not all, of these posts are done after the fact and back-dated). But I hope there was at least one point where the four of you who've been reading these posts had a laugh or a thought got provoked. And I hope you'll be back for Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram.
Day 40: This blog may not be the best example
As we approach the final days of #Lent here's one final tip from #PopeFrancis: https://t.co/DtzYHuvOTc pic.twitter.com/g011d3mQfk— Catholic Charities (@CathCharitiesNY) March 25, 2016
PSA for Catholic Charities aside, I thought the idea of putting faith into action was a good one to end on. Not that I have much faith (at least in the church as an institution), and blogging isn't much of an action (especially as most, if not all, of these posts are done after the fact and back-dated). But I hope there was at least one point where the four of you who've been reading these posts had a laugh or a thought got provoked. And I hope you'll be back for Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram.
25 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 39: Wait, what?
OK, this has always confused me, but if this article is accurate I get why Lent apparently ended yesterday but I'm only on day 39 of this thing. In short, Lent as a liturgical season ends on Holy Thursday, when we start the Easter Triduum. But the Lenten fast continues through the Triduum. So you may want to put that chocolate down, at least for another day or two.
Day 39: Wait, what?
— MimZWay (@MimZWay) March 25, 2016
OK, this has always confused me, but if this article is accurate I get why Lent apparently ended yesterday but I'm only on day 39 of this thing. In short, Lent as a liturgical season ends on Holy Thursday, when we start the Easter Triduum. But the Lenten fast continues through the Triduum. So you may want to put that chocolate down, at least for another day or two.
24 March 2016
23 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 37: A timely question
I don't know the answer, but I'm going to guess that "have an armed police presence at all times in certain neighborhoods" isn't it.
Day 37: A timely question
It is never easy to reach out to those who wish us harm. What would Jesus do? John 13: 21-32 #Lent— John Sentamu (@JohnSentamu) March 23, 2016
I don't know the answer, but I'm going to guess that "have an armed police presence at all times in certain neighborhoods" isn't it.
22 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 36: Curious under what theory of pedagogy this is acceptable
The flip side, then, is failure to meet the canned food drive goal is punished by more learning. That seems like a solid lesson to teach the kids.
Day 36: Curious under what theory of pedagogy this is acceptable
DB will be CLOSED on Holy Thursday, March 24 because we met our goal in the canned food drive! Great job everyone and thank you! #Lent— Bishop DuBourg HS (@BishopDuBourg) March 22, 2016
The flip side, then, is failure to meet the canned food drive goal is punished by more learning. That seems like a solid lesson to teach the kids.
21 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 35: is anyone going as the donkey?
I didn't expect to find a tweet that combined Lent and a furry convention in Virginia, but here we are. I'd like to see how the circles on the Venn diagram intersect on these groups.
Day 35: is anyone going as the donkey?
Aside from getting a last-minute badge for #FurMore16, my first commish priority for once #Lent is over is getting a group-sing pic w/ Ara— Sky the 'More 16! (@skynero19) March 21, 2016
I didn't expect to find a tweet that combined Lent and a furry convention in Virginia, but here we are. I'd like to see how the circles on the Venn diagram intersect on these groups.
19 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 34: At least there's no comparison to hairstyles
A piece that compares Jesus to Donald Trump, in an indirect way. More on point than expected.
Day 34: At least there's no comparison to hairstyles
Over at @HuffPostRelig with my latest post: The Politics of Palm Sunday#palmsunday#lenthttps://t.co/o18AWXYWdj— Chris Gilmore (@iamchrisgilmore) March 19, 2016
A piece that compares Jesus to Donald Trump, in an indirect way. More on point than expected.
18 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 33: They pulled off the tricky double asshole
So this is the Twitter account for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops initiative to "defend" marriage. I've awarded them the double asshole for the following:
Assholery the First: the crack about bacon always smelling the best on Lenten Fridays. You're the people who keep us from eating bacon in the first place, why rub our noses in it?
Assholery the Second: the use of the term "religious liberty" on the attached image. Look, if the church wants to oppose same sex marriage, so be it. But to somehow say that religious liberty is at stake simply because same sex marriage exists - when the church is in no way required to solemnize or recognize such marriages - is asinine. We've had same sex marriage in Massachusetts for over a decade, and in no way has my liberty to worship been infringed. Make your argument on positive theological points, not reliance on some PR phrase that's turned into a thinly veiled code for bigotry.
Day 33: They pulled off the tricky double asshole
Bacon always smells the best on Fridays in #Lent. Join the #CalltoPrayer intention to your fasting today! pic.twitter.com/rcWOL6ezeN— USCCB Marriage (@MUR_USCCB) March 18, 2016
So this is the Twitter account for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops initiative to "defend" marriage. I've awarded them the double asshole for the following:
Assholery the First: the crack about bacon always smelling the best on Lenten Fridays. You're the people who keep us from eating bacon in the first place, why rub our noses in it?
Assholery the Second: the use of the term "religious liberty" on the attached image. Look, if the church wants to oppose same sex marriage, so be it. But to somehow say that religious liberty is at stake simply because same sex marriage exists - when the church is in no way required to solemnize or recognize such marriages - is asinine. We've had same sex marriage in Massachusetts for over a decade, and in no way has my liberty to worship been infringed. Make your argument on positive theological points, not reliance on some PR phrase that's turned into a thinly veiled code for bigotry.
17 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 32: I expected more from you, Twitter!
OK, it may be my primitive Twitter search skills, but I expected, many tweets about not being able to drink on St. Patrick's Day. But I found very few. This was my favorite.
Day 32: I expected more from you, Twitter!
I'm not trying to start anything but.. Lol #lent #leprachaun #saintpatricksday #beer #green… https://t.co/vQTKE2fIRn— Worthy Woman (@womenare_worthy) March 17, 2016
OK, it may be my primitive Twitter search skills, but I expected, many tweets about not being able to drink on St. Patrick's Day. But I found very few. This was my favorite.
16 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 31: I don't make saints, but if I did there'd be a samurai
Really not much to do with Lent other than the timing of the announcement, but how can you pass up posting about a samurai saint?
Day 31: I don't make saints, but if I did there'd be a samurai
Samurai, Martyr, Soon a Saint: Dom Takayama Justo https://t.co/BRpSyzsVBA move over Mother Theresa for the Samurai Saint! #Catholic #Lent— Monk(ish) Habits (@MonkishHabits) March 16, 2016
Really not much to do with Lent other than the timing of the announcement, but how can you pass up posting about a samurai saint?
15 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 30: Remind Him to clean around the baseboards this time
Consider sin like the messiest room in your house, then sit down and have a little conversation with Jesus. #Lent. #40Days. #Reconciliation.— St. Bernard L.A. (@stbernardla) March 15, 2016
14 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 29: Here's your Netflix lineup for Holy Week
Day 29: Here's your Netflix lineup for Holy Week
If you're in the mood for some reflective movie-watching this #Lent, why not revisit our Seven Deadly Sins on Film? https://t.co/q1I2givtaL— Thinking Faith (@ThinkingFaith) March 14, 2016
12 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 28: I'm guessing the first reminder is rhetorical
The second reminder, though, is something we can all use from time to time.
Day 28: I'm guessing the first reminder is rhetorical
— Pat Durham (@PatDurhamAuthor) March 12, 2016
The second reminder, though, is something we can all use from time to time.
11 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 27: "Knot bread" - you get it?
I guess this means I should stop eating waffle pretzels for the next few weeks?
Day 27: "Knot bread" - you get it?
Did you know that the pretzel is a traditional food for #Lent? See why from @CatholicIcing: https://t.co/2MahfLKl7r pic.twitter.com/MMjFs2qRnX— Catholic Review (@CatholicReview) March 11, 2016
I guess this means I should stop eating waffle pretzels for the next few weeks?
10 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 26: I assume there will be no windows of Mercy once the doors are closed
So this is a Jubilee Year of Mercy, of which one of the symbols is the opening of a door of mercy, such as they Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica. Walking through such a door is supposed to have some sort of spiritual benefit, so if you're so inclined, here's a list of all the holy doors in the US.
Day 26: I assume there will be no windows of Mercy once the doors are closed
— CatholicBishops (@CatholicBishops) March 10, 2016
So this is a Jubilee Year of Mercy, of which one of the symbols is the opening of a door of mercy, such as they Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica. Walking through such a door is supposed to have some sort of spiritual benefit, so if you're so inclined, here's a list of all the holy doors in the US.
09 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 25: Probably no Easter egg hunts in this one
The targeted marketing for this movie has been interesting. Whenever I've seen an ad on cable, it's included positive blurbs from well known conservative sources like Focus on the Family, Hugh Hewitt, and... Kathie Lee Gifford? The ads on local TV only include blurbs from one person: Sean Cardinal O'Malley. Know your audience, I suppose.
Day 25: Probably no Easter egg hunts in this one
Praying the Movies for #Lent: Reflection on #TheYoungMessiah https://t.co/SSunJwrWZB pic.twitter.com/AJApppH2Yi— Marie Paul Curley (@SisterMPaul) March 9, 2016
The targeted marketing for this movie has been interesting. Whenever I've seen an ad on cable, it's included positive blurbs from well known conservative sources like Focus on the Family, Hugh Hewitt, and... Kathie Lee Gifford? The ads on local TV only include blurbs from one person: Sean Cardinal O'Malley. Know your audience, I suppose.
08 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 24: in case you want to coordinate with your priest.
While not as interesting/funny as the unique haberdashery of the Catholic church, this explanation of the liturgical colors is a pretty good basic explanation of when what color is worn and why.
Day 24: in case you want to coordinate with your priest.
What do the purple and pink mean again? #Lent https://t.co/YiiwbqyBQg @acatholicherald pic.twitter.com/UyQNy7dsr2— Arlington Diocese (@arlingtonchurch) March 8, 2016
While not as interesting/funny as the unique haberdashery of the Catholic church, this explanation of the liturgical colors is a pretty good basic explanation of when what color is worn and why.
07 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 23: or Day 1 if you live in Cairo
So while Christians in the west have been dealing with a lack of coffee and meat on Fridays for about three weeks, Orthodox Christians are just getting started. Everyone uses the same starting point to determine when to start figuring out when Easter is, but not the same calendar - western Christians use the Gregorian calendar (the same one we use day to day), while Orthodox use the Julian calendar. Without going into details, this alters the calculations enough that the dates can be, like this year, more than a month apart.
But then there's next year, when they're on the same date. Time is hard.
Day 23: or Day 1 if you live in Cairo
First day of #Lent in #Coptic #Orthodox calendar. Praying it is a blessed time of spiritual growth preparing for Glorious Resurrection Feast— Bishop Angaelos (@BishopAngaelos) March 7, 2016
So while Christians in the west have been dealing with a lack of coffee and meat on Fridays for about three weeks, Orthodox Christians are just getting started. Everyone uses the same starting point to determine when to start figuring out when Easter is, but not the same calendar - western Christians use the Gregorian calendar (the same one we use day to day), while Orthodox use the Julian calendar. Without going into details, this alters the calculations enough that the dates can be, like this year, more than a month apart.
But then there's next year, when they're on the same date. Time is hard.
05 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 22: Note: actual refreshments not served
Day 22: Note: actual refreshments not served
Did you know? The fourth Sunday of #Lent is known as #LaetareSunday - "Rejoice, O Jerusalem!" pic.twitter.com/HUVUhKCm1g— Archdiocese of TO (@archtoronto) March 5, 2016
04 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 21: In case you weren't having enough trouble giving something up
Day 21: In case you weren't having enough trouble giving something up
Pretty sure anybody going through #Lent can relate to these struggles. https://t.co/SBw8DZLSrl pic.twitter.com/SECHlo65WF— Latina Magazine (@Latina) March 4, 2016
03 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 20: Halftime show!
Also, in a textbook example of understatement, that choir is performing in the King's College Chapel. I've seen less impressive cathedrals.
Day 20: Halftime show!
— Dawn (USMC Mom) (@3Quarters2Day) March 3, 2016
Also, in a textbook example of understatement, that choir is performing in the King's College Chapel. I've seen less impressive cathedrals.
02 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 19: Without the visual, this has a very different meaning.
Day 19: Without the visual, this has a very different meaning.
— Catholic News Agency (@cnalive) March 2, 2016
01 March 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 18: Yeah!
And now I'll have Lil Jon reciting the Our Father in my head. "Give us this day our daily bread... THAT'S RIGHT!"
Day 18: Yeah!
Trying to read Augustine's work, 'Confessions', but all I hear in my head is Usher with "these are my confessions" .... #Lent— Leah Darrow (@leahdarrow) March 1, 2016
And now I'll have Lil Jon reciting the Our Father in my head. "Give us this day our daily bread... THAT'S RIGHT!"
29 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 17: Just hope you didn't give up french fries for Lent. Or chocolate. Or beer.
Though being there for Carnival means you've not started to give anything up yet. So enjoy!
Day 17: Just hope you didn't give up french fries for Lent. Or chocolate. Or beer.
Belgian's Best: The Craze for #Carnival >> https://t.co/Hzgrt1bqPM #Belgium #Lent #MardiGras #travel— GoAbroad (@GoAbroad) February 29, 2016
Though being there for Carnival means you've not started to give anything up yet. So enjoy!
27 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 16: I'll stick with fish, thanks
Day 16: I'll stick with fish, thanks
— Benjamin Cooper (@BenCooper_MA) February 27, 2016
26 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 15: 99 bottles of Chianti on the wall, 99 bottles of Chianti...
Day 15: 99 bottles of Chianti on the wall, 99 bottles of Chianti...
A "cold call" pick from #PopeFrancis asking "favor," Italian Servite to lead #Lent Curia Retreat...Bus departs Mar 6 pic.twitter.com/NUFG7FQnAW— Rich Raho (@RichRaho) February 26, 2016
25 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 14: Seriously, a good option for alms giving
CAFOD is the aid agency for the Catholic church in England and Wales, and they've gotten the UK agency for international development to match donations for water projects in Uganda. Seems like a decent idea, even if the Ugandan government is dodgy.
Day 14: Seriously, a good option for alms giving
Double the impact of your donations this #Lent! @DFID_UK will match what you give £1 for £1> https://t.co/RqrWqHp7gF pic.twitter.com/eHmEobRVSU— CAFOD (@CAFOD) February 25, 2016
CAFOD is the aid agency for the Catholic church in England and Wales, and they've gotten the UK agency for international development to match donations for water projects in Uganda. Seems like a decent idea, even if the Ugandan government is dodgy.
24 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 13: Um, I think that's actually a dog.
Day 13: Um, I think that's actually a dog.
9yo sister got her hair chopped off! That's 11 inches for Locks of Love. I couldn't be more proud. #Lent #BigFamily pic.twitter.com/SF6aZHVMSz— Martha Myrick-W (@MarthaMyrick) February 24, 2016
23 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 12: Let's keep this in mind for the other 325 days, too.
Day 12: Let's keep this in mind for the other 325 days, too.
Our diverse team works to break barriers and reach all young people irrespective of how they might differ. #LENT pic.twitter.com/2fvI2YgPl6— e:merge (@emergeonlineUK) February 23, 2016
22 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 11: They didn't say it was a good idea.
I hadn't planned on back-to-back food posts, but found this too unusual to pass up. I really would like to know in what way is ketchup a Lenten idea - use it, give it up, add some reality to your passion play? Inquiring minds and all that.
Day 11: They didn't say it was a good idea.
I have eked a whole LJ post out of my supermarket's ketchup-for-Lent suggestion https://t.co/UPp0pLkzee #Lent pic.twitter.com/AzlyL4OQjR— one more voice (@morinotsuma) February 22, 2016
I hadn't planned on back-to-back food posts, but found this too unusual to pass up. I really would like to know in what way is ketchup a Lenten idea - use it, give it up, add some reality to your passion play? Inquiring minds and all that.
20 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 10: You've heard of vegetables, right?
This is actually something that hits close to home, as the wife doesn't really like fish (other than tuna out of a can). Her dinner this past Friday: an appetizer sampler with fries, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, and fried pickles (which she doesn't care for and give to me, to my everlasting thanks). Admittedly we were on the road and had fairly limited options (she was going to have pancakes, only the restaurant was out of batter)
Remember: a garden salad with beans is always a nice choice. Your local Indian restaurant will also have a number of tasty vegetarian dishes, which you can bulk out with paneer (a type of cheese), lentils (look for dal), or chickpeas (also used in dal sometimes, but usually called channa or chole). Just because it's Lent doesn't mean you can't widen your palate.
Day 10: You've heard of vegetables, right?
This is what happens on Fridays during #Lent when you don't like fish pic.twitter.com/te7NjGTz9q— Chris Knoblock (@cknoblock17) February 19, 2016
This is actually something that hits close to home, as the wife doesn't really like fish (other than tuna out of a can). Her dinner this past Friday: an appetizer sampler with fries, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, and fried pickles (which she doesn't care for and give to me, to my everlasting thanks). Admittedly we were on the road and had fairly limited options (she was going to have pancakes, only the restaurant was out of batter)
Remember: a garden salad with beans is always a nice choice. Your local Indian restaurant will also have a number of tasty vegetarian dishes, which you can bulk out with paneer (a type of cheese), lentils (look for dal), or chickpeas (also used in dal sometimes, but usually called channa or chole). Just because it's Lent doesn't mean you can't widen your palate.
19 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 9: Mixed messages
These appeared in order in my most recent search for Lenten tweets:
Which led me to think about the number of people who give up social medial for Lent. I can say anecdotally this is a growing thing, as it seems like I've seen more mention of it this year than last. Based on this article about Google's research into what people are giving up, there are four states where some form of social media topped the list.
I can see why this would be a popular choice - social media is time consuming (says the guy on his blog) and can be relentlessly negative. Taking some time away would give a person a chance to clear their minds and focus on the season. On the other hand, I did see one tweet (right when I started to think about this year's theme, which I forgot to save/bookmark/do whatever you do in Twitter to save posts) which wondered if Lent was the right time to abandon relationships, even digital ones, when they can be so supportive.
For me, I tend towards the latter camp (says the guy on his blog). It's not that I don't think that giving up social media isn't worthy of Lent, as I do think it would provide a tangible loss (if not an actual physical sacrifice). But like many people I use social media to keep in touch with friends and family, and while I could do something crazy like actually call or write, I think the value of more frequent, less formal contact outweighs what good I could get from giving it up. But as they say online, YMMV (does anyone actually say that anymore?).
Day 9: Mixed messages
These appeared in order in my most recent search for Lenten tweets:
Consider a digital fast this #Lent and exchange some screen time for prayer time. He is eager to listen to you and speak to your heart!— Bishop Paul Loverde (@Bishop_Loverde) February 18, 2016
Listen to the free podcast of Reflections for #Lent. https://t.co/H89p6bk0Jw pic.twitter.com/0kXxNZbPiH— Ch House Publishing (@CHPublishingUK) February 18, 2016
Which led me to think about the number of people who give up social medial for Lent. I can say anecdotally this is a growing thing, as it seems like I've seen more mention of it this year than last. Based on this article about Google's research into what people are giving up, there are four states where some form of social media topped the list.
I can see why this would be a popular choice - social media is time consuming (says the guy on his blog) and can be relentlessly negative. Taking some time away would give a person a chance to clear their minds and focus on the season. On the other hand, I did see one tweet (right when I started to think about this year's theme, which I forgot to save/bookmark/do whatever you do in Twitter to save posts) which wondered if Lent was the right time to abandon relationships, even digital ones, when they can be so supportive.
For me, I tend towards the latter camp (says the guy on his blog). It's not that I don't think that giving up social media isn't worthy of Lent, as I do think it would provide a tangible loss (if not an actual physical sacrifice). But like many people I use social media to keep in touch with friends and family, and while I could do something crazy like actually call or write, I think the value of more frequent, less formal contact outweighs what good I could get from giving it up. But as they say online, YMMV (does anyone actually say that anymore?).
18 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 8: Stay right there, Jesus is coming over from the last post with a special message.
I'm as much a fan of solid financial planning as the next guy, but maybe this isn't the best angle for drumming up business.
Day 8: Stay right there, Jesus is coming over from the last post with a special message.
Failed in the first week of #Lent? Don't fail in the future! Here's our tips for funding your #retirement: https://t.co/dAFe1nisDP— Parasol (@parasolgroup) February 17, 2016
I'm as much a fan of solid financial planning as the next guy, but maybe this isn't the best angle for drumming up business.
17 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 7: Bernie Sanders approves! (Inasmuch as he can as a non-Christian).
Day 7: Bernie Sanders approves! (Inasmuch as he can as a non-Christian).
Tuesday in the 1st week of #Lent: "#Jesus entered the temple of God & cast out all those who were selling & buying" pic.twitter.com/JHto7CB9jE— Silverstream Priory (@cenacleosb) February 16, 2016
16 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 6: And if he doesn't... there are still 40 days in Lent.
Day 6: And if he doesn't... there are still 40 days in Lent.
— Susan Russell (@revsusanrussell) February 15, 2016
15 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 5: Thanks for the clarification!
There's always confusion about how Sundays fit into Lent, and this is a pretty good one sheet explanation of how things work. Those Canadians, always so helpful!
I was trying to find a tweet about Lent and Valentine's Day, but the first two that kind of fit the bill put me off of further searching:
Day 5: Thanks for the clarification!
If we gave something up for #Lent, can we indulge in it on Sundays? pic.twitter.com/27tpwUzs7d— Archdiocese of TO (@archtoronto) February 14, 2016
There's always confusion about how Sundays fit into Lent, and this is a pretty good one sheet explanation of how things work. Those Canadians, always so helpful!
I was trying to find a tweet about Lent and Valentine's Day, but the first two that kind of fit the bill put me off of further searching:
Hey, Christians. This is not Valentine's Day. This is the 1st Sunday in #Lent. (Unless you are Orthodox, in which case, you get a pass.)— Drew McIntyre (@DrewBMcIntyre) February 14, 2016
I'm just trying to fuck all of you for #lent— kylie aqua (@circaqua) February 14, 2016
14 February 2016
With things heating up in the US Presidential primaries, it's time to give out the coveted Blogalicious endorsements.
On the Democratic side, Blogalicious endorses Bernie Sanders. We don't think he'd make a particularly great President, but do think he's spot on about the increasingly corruptive influence of dark money on politics and the burgeoning financial-governmental complex. A Sanders presidency would also make various GOP heads explode, which would be entertaining.
Speaking of the GOP, Blogalicious endorses John Kasich, due to his positive campaign and executive experience. He's not as moderate as portrayed - we think he gets the label by being graded on a curve, and he's been pretty conservative where abortion is involved - but is moderate enough that bipartisan governing is a possibility. He's not exactly the candidate for this cycle where the party is concerned, but in the long term is more likely to attract independents and conservative Democrats, which will help in the swing states that someone like Ted Cruz is unlikely to win.
So there you go, endorsements for candidates who have almost no shot at winning - until now!
On the Democratic side, Blogalicious endorses Bernie Sanders. We don't think he'd make a particularly great President, but do think he's spot on about the increasingly corruptive influence of dark money on politics and the burgeoning financial-governmental complex. A Sanders presidency would also make various GOP heads explode, which would be entertaining.
Speaking of the GOP, Blogalicious endorses John Kasich, due to his positive campaign and executive experience. He's not as moderate as portrayed - we think he gets the label by being graded on a curve, and he's been pretty conservative where abortion is involved - but is moderate enough that bipartisan governing is a possibility. He's not exactly the candidate for this cycle where the party is concerned, but in the long term is more likely to attract independents and conservative Democrats, which will help in the swing states that someone like Ted Cruz is unlikely to win.
So there you go, endorsements for candidates who have almost no shot at winning - until now!
13 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 4: Crossover episode!
Today's installment not only works for Lentorama but for the Book Log as well. It's actually an interesting list, with a couple of books that I've read but never considered in a Lenten context.
Day 4: Crossover episode!
The best novels, poetry, and more for #Lent https://t.co/5S9VF7aX45— Christianity Today (@CTmagazine) February 13, 2016
Today's installment not only works for Lentorama but for the Book Log as well. It's actually an interesting list, with a couple of books that I've read but never considered in a Lenten context.
12 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 3: Monetizing the suffering of our Lord!
Just three of the many tweets from companies who want tomake a buck off of Catholics help maintain Lenten discipline. Honestly, though, these may have helped, as there were very few "OMG, I ate meat!" tweets. But that could just be my lack of search skills on Twitter.
Day 3: Monetizing the suffering of our Lord!
On this first Friday of #Lent, try one of these 5 classic New Orleans shrimp recipes https://t.co/pLjI3IDtye pic.twitter.com/yGsKIILydc— NOLA.com (@NOLAnews) February 12, 2016
#Lent is here. We are stocked, but #crawfish will be tight around town this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/dKdbkcz1p2— Bevi Seafood Co (@BeviSeafoodCo) February 12, 2016
Looking for a seafood option for lunch or dinner? Our fresh oysters are the obvious choice. #Lent #MeatlessLent pic.twitter.com/xjTjWlv5Zo— Doc Crow's (@DocCrows) February 12, 2016
Just three of the many tweets from companies who want to
11 February 2016
Lentorama 2016: #Lent
Day 2: Clearly, someone is better at this than I am.
Yes, a Lenten bracket for saints. And to think how much time I've wasted here! Well done.
Day 2: Clearly, someone is better at this than I am.
The #Lent Madness Saintly Smackdown bracket is pure genius: https://t.co/FWFQbuyC0N— Ally Ley (@allyley) February 11, 2016
Yes, a Lenten bracket for saints. And to think how much time I've wasted here! Well done.
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