Harry Potter RULES Hogwarts!!
This year I decided to start reading all of the famous Harry Potter books and I am so glad I did. These books are certainly great for young kids, but they are also fun reads for adults! I love the conflicts between Professor Snape and Harry Potter. When Dumbledore died I was very shocked, and I still don't believe it actually happened. Everyone I have talked to that is a fan of the series agrees with me, and we hope that in the final installment it comes to light that Dumbledore was not really dead and neither was Sirus. Harry and Hermione and Ron are the best characters from a children's story ever. When I have children I will make sure that Harry Potter is a book series that they read and enjoy. What are your favorite Harry Potter moments?
My favorite book this year
The best book I read all year was A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute. This book took place during the time of the WW2 and was about a group of women prisoners who were marched on a death march through Malaysia. The books main character Jean is Englishwoman working in Malay. She ends up becoming the defacto leader of the women marching through the jungle in the hot heat and humidity. The women were definitely not treated very well. Another main character Joe, an Austrailian man, comes to the rescue of the women and tries to help in any way he can. A love story begins between Joe and Jean, and the rest is beautiful. I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoys reading Nevil Shute books (he also wrote On the Beach which was EXCELLENT) or anyone who enjoys a great Love story. it was also made into a movie back in 1981. I haven't been able to find the movie to watch it, so if NEONE knows where I can find it pleaze let me know!!
Mt. St. Helens
One of the coolest places in nature to visit in the pacific northwest is Mount St. Helens. This Volcano had a major eruption back in 1980, and has been building itself back up ever since. There are a few very nice observatories where you can go on clear days to see the crater and the volcano itself. I myself have been to the visitor center on a foggy day and was unable to actually see the volcano. However, the visitor center has a movie you can watch that goes through the events of 1980 and talks mostly about the eruption. There are also a lof of really cool artifacts they have on display to show the devestation. The best place to go is the Johnston Ridge observatory where you are literally only a few miles away from the crater! I definitely want to go there someday. There are definitley a ton of cool places to check out in the PacNW, but Mount St. Helens definitely makes you realize how small you are in the whole scheme of the Earth.
Memiors of a Geisha
I recently saw the movie Memiors of a Geisha directed by Rob Marshall which was based on the book by Arthur Golden. This movie and the book also take a look into the lives of the Geisha women who lived in Japan back in the early 1900's. The lives of Geisha were very interesting, especially when you find out how much work they put into their training. There is a misconception that Geisha is synonomous with prostitution, but that is definitely not the case. These women were artisans, and musicians. Yes, they did eventually look for men with money to be their benefactors, but in that time, you had to do that if you wanted an easier life for yourself. I very much enjoyed the book moreso than the movie, but I would reccommend either for anyone interested in learning more about what Geisha were and how their lives were lived. Any one else have any comments on this movie?
The Fountainhead
Has anyone read The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand? This book is all about architecture. It's one of my favorite books. It's main character is a man named Howard Roark and he is the best architect in the world although only he really thinks so. He is a true artist in the sense that he wlil not compromise his building style for anyone. He designs buidlings and then if people want them, they can have them. His attitude about his work and the business causes a lot of controversey and problems in the book. This book was also made into a movie starring Cary Grant. I suggest this as a read for anyone interested in reading Ayn Rand books. As controversial as you may think she is, the Fountainhead is one of the best books ever written. Does anyone have any other comments on this book? I'd like some feedback and like to hear what other people have thought while reading this novel.
A whole museum???!?
Apparently out in Seattle they have a whole freaking museum dedicated to my favorite subject in the entire world..... SCIENCE FICTION!!! I will have to save up money so that I can go. I am so excited to find out that all of my favorite Star Wars, Star Trek, and other great SCI-FI stories can be found documented in this one museum. It's only 12.95 to get into the museum. Now I just have to find cheapo airline tickets. Maybe I should hop on my land cruiser lol. Anyone want to hit up the SCI-FI museum in Seattle with me sometime this summer? Anyone? Is there anybody out there? or am I alone in the universe :(
Gardener's Art Through the Ages
So the absolute best book I can recommend for Art enthusiasts is Gardener's Art Through the Ages. This book takes a very comprehensive look at art from it's earliest stages up to the most modern art. The pictures are so beautiful, and the critique and examination of each particular genre is amazing. I believe the book is on it's third or 4th edition, so you may be able to find the first edition cheaper at a used book store. Has anyone else had a chance to read or study Gardener's book? Any thoughts? Did anyone NOT like the book?!?
The Long Emergency
I think that "The Long Emergency" is the scariest book I've ever read - and it's non-fiction!
It discusses the "fact" that the world is past peak production of oil and natural gas, and that all the "alternatives" are bogus... Nuclear energy generation seems like the only mega-alternative, but since I live in Washington State - home to the Hanford nuclear dump (which is near a volcanic zone and right next to the Columbia River) I'm mega-fearful of the problems with nuclear waste storage.
Frankly, I have hopes for geothermal electricity generation but there doesn't seem to be much research in that area.
Does anyone have a "debunking The Long Emergency" type book or article to suggest?
It looks to me like almost all of our federal government leaders have their heads in the sand with respect to alternative and sustainable energy - except for Washington Congressman Jay Inslee with his $300 billion "Apollo Alliance". (Washington Senator Maria Cantwell is on the advisory board.)
Here's the "fluffy" intro from http://www.apolloalliance.org/:
"Americans have always pulled together during tough times to accomplish great missions. We can do it again. This time we need a moonshot for energy independence and good jobs. A crash program for sustainable energy independence would create three million good jobs, free the nation from imported oil, and promote a healthier environment. States and cities are leading the way toward a clean energy future. Now, the time has come for our nation to take up the challenge."
It discusses the "fact" that the world is past peak production of oil and natural gas, and that all the "alternatives" are bogus... Nuclear energy generation seems like the only mega-alternative, but since I live in Washington State - home to the Hanford nuclear dump (which is near a volcanic zone and right next to the Columbia River) I'm mega-fearful of the problems with nuclear waste storage.
Frankly, I have hopes for geothermal electricity generation but there doesn't seem to be much research in that area.
Does anyone have a "debunking The Long Emergency" type book or article to suggest?
It looks to me like almost all of our federal government leaders have their heads in the sand with respect to alternative and sustainable energy - except for Washington Congressman Jay Inslee with his $300 billion "Apollo Alliance". (Washington Senator Maria Cantwell is on the advisory board.)
Here's the "fluffy" intro from http://www.apolloalliance.org/:
"Americans have always pulled together during tough times to accomplish great missions. We can do it again. This time we need a moonshot for energy independence and good jobs. A crash program for sustainable energy independence would create three million good jobs, free the nation from imported oil, and promote a healthier environment. States and cities are leading the way toward a clean energy future. Now, the time has come for our nation to take up the challenge."
Best Repair Book Set
I was wondering what everyone's experience was with the Chilton's manuals verses the Haynes manuals. I've always used Chilton's and had no complaints with them, but sometimes my library doesn't have them. Any thoughts?
More Bling for your Barbie
Just when you thought you'd seen it all, Barbie has bling. The new "My Scene Bling Bling" Barbie collection features glammed up dolls scantly clad, in club going attire. These dolls don't stop at bare midrifts either. They have a myriad of accessories to help them bling out their best. Try extra short mini skirts, tall boots and cell phones in hand. There's also My Bling Bling Wheels Barbie car, and styling heads with lots of glitter makeup and jewelry. Unlike traditional Barbie dolls, the My Scene Barbies have bigger heads and feet. And while they may not be the most wholesome doll for little girls, they're definitely entertaining.