Relations between Israel and the rest of the world have been tenuous of late. When Israel then go and board a ship under the flag of humanitarian aid, one would not expect relations with the world and Gaza to improve at all. I intend to try to study the situation from a purely factual perspective point of view and then draw several conclusions that you may or may not agree with.
Let's start with the beginning of the story. It might be said that there is no beginning to the story as the Palestinian - Israeli conflict is a vicious cycle. Still, we can at least use the Gaza war as a reference point.
Gaza is busy firing rockets indiscriminately into Israel and Israel responds. Dramatically to say the least. A series of air-strikes were carried out resulting in the deaths of 1417 Palestinians and 13 Israeli soldiers. International response to this statistic and in fact the tactics of the Israeli army in general caused major international condemnation.
Let's not even get into the Goldstone report as it is remarkably flawed in ways that I don't feel like getting into right now, but should you want to read about them try this link.
I do want to remark on one thing, though. A great deal of the civilian casualties in this war were results of the human shield strategy, in which Palestinians rely on their own human civilians to deter Israeli fire. In fact, one might argue that Palestinians caused most of their own civilian casualties. There is no reason whatsoever that Israel should have jeopardized the lives of its own soldiers to reduce the casualties of its enemy's civilians. A country's primary concern must be its own citizens.
Anyway, to return to the point, Israel was condemned for disproportionate response and being to careless with the lives of civilians. Ultimately, though, Israel protected its own civilians as well as might be expected and the rocket fire stopped. Whether or not they sacrificed to many Palestinian lives along the way is up for debate, but one thing is certain, had Gaza valued the lives of its civilians, they would have ensured that their army was as far away from their civilians as possible.
Still, these air-strikes left Gaza in remarkable disarray. They needed supplies and resources to rebuild the piles of rubble left by Israel. Israel could of course not entirely stop these supplies, but would be careless to let the supplies land without inspecting them. For perhaps they contained more rockets, the last thing they'd want.
Liberal activists from around the world against the Israeli violence toward innocent civilians in Gaza are now bound to come to the fore in providing these supplies. Thus when a flotilla of six ships aimed to break through the Gaza blockade as a protest to Israel's censorship of supplies, it is unsurprising that Israel warned them against doing any such thing, instead telling them to send their supplies across land. Surely a human rights activist group is the ultimate hiding place for weapons to refill the store houses of the tarnished Hamas group.
What Israel didn't expect was to have any particularly violent encounters, but for whatever reason, when boarding the ships as a result of a failure to comply with the request to send the aid via land, a major brawl ensued upon the Turkish ship. Nine to nineteen activists were killed in the violence, and ten Israeli soldiers were injured.
Israel claims that the violence of its soldiers was self-defense, Turkey and most of the rest of the world seems to believe the violence of the activists was in self defense.
I'm inclined to believe Israel on this one for two main reasons:
1) The flotilla claims that no weapons were aboard when two of the Israeli soldiers had bullet wounds, and
2) There were no episodes of violence on the other ships, and one would expect a certain consistency, had the Israeli soldiers been ordered to incite the violence.
Still, regrettable as the deaths of these great people who fought for what they believed in are, to fault Israel for asking the resources to be put across the land and then after warnings going and intercepting the ship is difficult. Why precisely if they wanted to perform a terrorist attack as they are being accused of, they'd warn the victims, is a little strange as well.
Those are my thoughts for now. Feel free to leave your own below, but please keep the discussion clean, intellectual and non-insulting.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The Magician by Raymond E. Feist -- Book Review
Hi there,
I feel rather bad that I haven't updated my blog of late. I blame it fully on my busy schedule and an increased workload. I must also blame it on the fact that I've been reading more than I've been surfing the net, and am therefore left with a bunch of book reviews to write and not much else. So I guess this'll have to satisfy you.
The Magician by Raymond E Feist was one really famous fantasy book that I'd been putting off reading for quite a while. The reason for this is simple. The first adult fantasy book that I ever read aside from Lord of the Rings was Exile's Return by Raymond E. Feist. I really disliked the book intensely.
Perhaps the reason for this was that it was the third in the trilogy and I hadn't read the first two, but either way I was put off Feist.
Anyway, someone convinced me to try The Magician, the start of Feist's far more famous saga. And I'm glad for it.
I really enjoyed the book, despite the fact that at the start it was rather slow and without tension. The characters appeared flat and there seemed no reason to read on besides Feist's flowery prose.
Later though, the book spun around shocking with character twists of massive proportions, world building and tension the likes of which I've rarely seen. It was an impressive work and I'm glad I was convinced to read it.
The book spans years from the protagonist Pug's point of view in which he grows from child to master magician. He goes through slavery and fears of losing the only companions he ever has. He goes through a brainwashing treatment in which he begins to sympathize with the enemy. The character story is truly epic. It's a must read for epic fantasy fans.
Have a great one!
I feel rather bad that I haven't updated my blog of late. I blame it fully on my busy schedule and an increased workload. I must also blame it on the fact that I've been reading more than I've been surfing the net, and am therefore left with a bunch of book reviews to write and not much else. So I guess this'll have to satisfy you.
The Magician by Raymond E Feist was one really famous fantasy book that I'd been putting off reading for quite a while. The reason for this is simple. The first adult fantasy book that I ever read aside from Lord of the Rings was Exile's Return by Raymond E. Feist. I really disliked the book intensely.
Perhaps the reason for this was that it was the third in the trilogy and I hadn't read the first two, but either way I was put off Feist.
Anyway, someone convinced me to try The Magician, the start of Feist's far more famous saga. And I'm glad for it.
I really enjoyed the book, despite the fact that at the start it was rather slow and without tension. The characters appeared flat and there seemed no reason to read on besides Feist's flowery prose.
Later though, the book spun around shocking with character twists of massive proportions, world building and tension the likes of which I've rarely seen. It was an impressive work and I'm glad I was convinced to read it.
The book spans years from the protagonist Pug's point of view in which he grows from child to master magician. He goes through slavery and fears of losing the only companions he ever has. He goes through a brainwashing treatment in which he begins to sympathize with the enemy. The character story is truly epic. It's a must read for epic fantasy fans.
Have a great one!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger -- Book Review
After a long time of being on my To Read list, I finally got my hands on Catcher in the Rye and read through it. I read it in fewer than three hours and in two sittings. The truth is that I truly enjoyed the book.
Despite that the era in which the book takes place is not our own, I found that I could connect with the main character. It takes serious guts to write a book from the first person point of view of a mad-man, but to pull it off takes pure skill. Salinger has both.
There is little doubt that Salinger's story is a character story and it is his ability to tell of people in interesting fashions, describing eccentricities more candidly than would be regarded as proper. All this makes for an entertaining and emotional story that breaks hearts and wins laughter with seemingly no effort.
While there was nothing too revolutionary in terms of plot in the book, what there was was a beautiful weave of strong story and stronger character. Take The Grapes of Wrath and remove all the pretension and you'll be left with a story that might be similar to this.
In terms of classics this was really a worthwhile read.
Despite that the era in which the book takes place is not our own, I found that I could connect with the main character. It takes serious guts to write a book from the first person point of view of a mad-man, but to pull it off takes pure skill. Salinger has both.
There is little doubt that Salinger's story is a character story and it is his ability to tell of people in interesting fashions, describing eccentricities more candidly than would be regarded as proper. All this makes for an entertaining and emotional story that breaks hearts and wins laughter with seemingly no effort.
While there was nothing too revolutionary in terms of plot in the book, what there was was a beautiful weave of strong story and stronger character. Take The Grapes of Wrath and remove all the pretension and you'll be left with a story that might be similar to this.
In terms of classics this was really a worthwhile read.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Lindsay Lohan's Big Jail Party -- Postponed!
So it appears that our favorite danger on the roads, Ms Lindsay Lohan has deprived the Los Angeles jail of one really good party -- for the time being at least.
All I can say is that I'm most upset that the inmates at the jail are going to be missing out on what would probably have been the most lively party they might have ever experienced. How cruel it is of Ms Lohan to deprive them of this.
Of course perhaps they might be able to convince the jail to give them their party anyway, using Lohan's $100 000 bail.
Have a great one!
All I can say is that I'm most upset that the inmates at the jail are going to be missing out on what would probably have been the most lively party they might have ever experienced. How cruel it is of Ms Lohan to deprive them of this.
Of course perhaps they might be able to convince the jail to give them their party anyway, using Lohan's $100 000 bail.
Have a great one!
Feature Friday
Featured YouTube Video:
Shaytard's YouTube Story:
An inspiring story of one of the biggest YouTube celebrities around and how he made it big on the web.
Part 1:
Part 2:
Featured Amateur Blog:
Jewel's Arty Blog
I know little about art and the blog is seriously girly, but she writes quite well and her stuff looks pretty professional.
Featured Popular Blog:
Fail Blog
'nuff said.
Featured Website:
Exploding dog
Very interesting website. People prompt him and he draws pictures based on the prompts. One can scroll through it for ages. Plus, he's been doing it for 10 years.
Featured Book:
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
A children's book freaky and warming enough for the whole family.
That's it for Feature Friday this week. Tune in next week for more features!
Shaytard's YouTube Story:
An inspiring story of one of the biggest YouTube celebrities around and how he made it big on the web.
Part 1:
Part 2:
Featured Amateur Blog:
Jewel's Arty Blog
I know little about art and the blog is seriously girly, but she writes quite well and her stuff looks pretty professional.
Featured Popular Blog:
Fail Blog
'nuff said.
Featured Website:
Exploding dog
Very interesting website. People prompt him and he draws pictures based on the prompts. One can scroll through it for ages. Plus, he's been doing it for 10 years.
Featured Book:
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
A children's book freaky and warming enough for the whole family.
That's it for Feature Friday this week. Tune in next week for more features!
Synthetic Life
It appears that science has finally created life of its own. Yep, a bacterium like cell has been synthetically built from scratch. DNA mapped by computers, based off a true life form, a self-replicating life form has been produced.
So what do I think about this? I've invested very little thought in the understanding the ramifications as they will need to progress far further for the changes to become significant. It does mean though, that perhaps there will in the future be ways to create a system of sustainable energy based on synthetic life.
As to what it means to religious life, nothing yet. I don't think any religions feel themselves under pressure. The real pressure will come if intelligent life can be designed from scratch by computers some centuries in the future. There is not likely to be any backlash thus far.
So what do I think about this? I've invested very little thought in the understanding the ramifications as they will need to progress far further for the changes to become significant. It does mean though, that perhaps there will in the future be ways to create a system of sustainable energy based on synthetic life.
As to what it means to religious life, nothing yet. I don't think any religions feel themselves under pressure. The real pressure will come if intelligent life can be designed from scratch by computers some centuries in the future. There is not likely to be any backlash thus far.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Lance Armstrong: Doper or Clean?
I grew up in a family where we were kind of brainwashed into loving cycling from the first day of life.
I followed Lance Armstrong through all of his Tour de France victories, watched Ivan Basso and Jan Ullrich fight with him to the top of the game. I watched Armstrong survive as Ullrich and Basso were dropped for implication in Operation Puerto. The next person to take on the mantle after Armstrong's temporary retirement was Floyd Landis. And then Floyd too was disqualified for drugs. Of course each of these riders vehemently denied involvement in banned substances.
Through seven Tours de France, Lance Armstrong was singularly the most tested cyclist for drugs, and yet somehow all of his competition managed to get caught leaving him seemingly clean.
Finally, after nearly five years of claiming innocence, Floyd Landis finally admitted to doping. Problem is that he's now claimed that he was not alone and in fact Armstrong was doping with him. Plus he used to be on Armstrong's team. So it is possible that it is not a complete fabrication.
This is by no means the first time Lance Armstrong has been accused of taking drugs. But so far each drug claim has seemed to make the possibility of his use of banned substances less and less likely.
The truth of the matter is that I've got no idea whether Armstrong used drugs, but he was clearly the smartest drug user in the peleton if he did. While he might have taken drugs, though, it is rather stupid to believe Floyd Landis, a person who has lied for five years to protect his reputation. He's got the status of a liar, and I find his lies rather ugly. To protect his bad publicity as he admits, he creates an even bigger story, which might be real though likely is not, to undermine his admission.
Sorry, nope, I'm not believing it from you, Floyd. You've lost all your credibility.
I followed Lance Armstrong through all of his Tour de France victories, watched Ivan Basso and Jan Ullrich fight with him to the top of the game. I watched Armstrong survive as Ullrich and Basso were dropped for implication in Operation Puerto. The next person to take on the mantle after Armstrong's temporary retirement was Floyd Landis. And then Floyd too was disqualified for drugs. Of course each of these riders vehemently denied involvement in banned substances.
Through seven Tours de France, Lance Armstrong was singularly the most tested cyclist for drugs, and yet somehow all of his competition managed to get caught leaving him seemingly clean.
Finally, after nearly five years of claiming innocence, Floyd Landis finally admitted to doping. Problem is that he's now claimed that he was not alone and in fact Armstrong was doping with him. Plus he used to be on Armstrong's team. So it is possible that it is not a complete fabrication.
This is by no means the first time Lance Armstrong has been accused of taking drugs. But so far each drug claim has seemed to make the possibility of his use of banned substances less and less likely.
The truth of the matter is that I've got no idea whether Armstrong used drugs, but he was clearly the smartest drug user in the peleton if he did. While he might have taken drugs, though, it is rather stupid to believe Floyd Landis, a person who has lied for five years to protect his reputation. He's got the status of a liar, and I find his lies rather ugly. To protect his bad publicity as he admits, he creates an even bigger story, which might be real though likely is not, to undermine his admission.
Sorry, nope, I'm not believing it from you, Floyd. You've lost all your credibility.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
A Little About Israel
I've been doing a little touring of Jerusalem over the past few days. I've seen a bunch of really interesting things along the way.
Let's start at the walk through Damascus Gate in the old city on Jerusalem day. As a Jew, it is somewhat nerve-wracking to walk through the Arab market on a day when there is so much hate in the air. Still I went with a bunch of friends through the Arab part of the old city without much trouble. A couple of Jews ran through the market singing Jewish songs in the joy of commemorating the day that marked the return of the land on which the old temple was regained by the Jews.
I thought that that could have been interpreted as provocative, but perhaps it is merely my Jewish ancestry and its bias that tells me they were genuinely happy to have the city of Jerusalem again and were therefore singing in praise and thanks to God.
A couple of days later I went to tour the southern excavations at the edge of the temple mount. It was amazing to see the history that is contained especially for the Jewish people but also for the Byzantines there. The tour guide was an archaeologist and really helped bring the history of the place to life.
Then my final encounter of worthy importance was a walk down the Haredi part of Jerusalem on Bar Ilan. It's really a dirty part of town and I found it to be a rather loathsome experience on the whole. I needed to be there though to catch my bus. Problem was that when I got there there was a whole riot with overturned metal disposal bins in the street and a whole load of fire and burning and other such destructive activities.
Yep, they're meant to be representing the Jewish religion and are found disrupting the lives of people. Anyway, it turned out that I had to walk through Jerusalem for an hour until 12:30 pm to catch the next bus at a different location due to the diversion of the public bus system.
It was rather aggravating experience.
That's it for now!
Let's start at the walk through Damascus Gate in the old city on Jerusalem day. As a Jew, it is somewhat nerve-wracking to walk through the Arab market on a day when there is so much hate in the air. Still I went with a bunch of friends through the Arab part of the old city without much trouble. A couple of Jews ran through the market singing Jewish songs in the joy of commemorating the day that marked the return of the land on which the old temple was regained by the Jews.
I thought that that could have been interpreted as provocative, but perhaps it is merely my Jewish ancestry and its bias that tells me they were genuinely happy to have the city of Jerusalem again and were therefore singing in praise and thanks to God.
A couple of days later I went to tour the southern excavations at the edge of the temple mount. It was amazing to see the history that is contained especially for the Jewish people but also for the Byzantines there. The tour guide was an archaeologist and really helped bring the history of the place to life.
Then my final encounter of worthy importance was a walk down the Haredi part of Jerusalem on Bar Ilan. It's really a dirty part of town and I found it to be a rather loathsome experience on the whole. I needed to be there though to catch my bus. Problem was that when I got there there was a whole riot with overturned metal disposal bins in the street and a whole load of fire and burning and other such destructive activities.
Yep, they're meant to be representing the Jewish religion and are found disrupting the lives of people. Anyway, it turned out that I had to walk through Jerusalem for an hour until 12:30 pm to catch the next bus at a different location due to the diversion of the public bus system.
It was rather aggravating experience.
That's it for now!
Paul Burling -- Impersonator Extraordinaire
I've been having a rather good time on YouTube today, and came across another video of official awesomeness.
Britain's got Talent occasionally reveals stars the likes of which are rarely seen. Such was the case with Susan Boyle.
And now it appears that they've found the same sort of a star in the genre of comedy. Perhaps not as revolutionary but hilariously funny nevertheless. The embed code for that video was disabled, so here's the link to comedy extraordinaire Paul Burling.
You liked those old cartoons too? Well, this was for me one of the more heartwarming reminders of my childhood that the internet has given me. Hope you enjoy
Britain's got Talent occasionally reveals stars the likes of which are rarely seen. Such was the case with Susan Boyle.
And now it appears that they've found the same sort of a star in the genre of comedy. Perhaps not as revolutionary but hilariously funny nevertheless. The embed code for that video was disabled, so here's the link to comedy extraordinaire Paul Burling.
You liked those old cartoons too? Well, this was for me one of the more heartwarming reminders of my childhood that the internet has given me. Hope you enjoy
Greyson Chance vs. Lady Gaga
Truth is, I've never really been too much of a fan of Lady Gaga. That is until Greyson Chance, a sixth grade kid picks up one of her songs, does away with all the irritating bits, leaving a good song. Plus this kid's voice is pretty beastly.
So, when my sister told me about this song, she gave me a pleasant surprise.
Greyson Chance singing Paparazzi by Lady Gaga:
So, when my sister told me about this song, she gave me a pleasant surprise.
Greyson Chance singing Paparazzi by Lady Gaga:
Friday, May 14, 2010
Feature Friday
Featured Obscure Blog: Sci-Fi and Fantasy Planet
As an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy, I recently discovered this blog which as far as obscure blogs go quite impressed me.
He writes really well. His stories are interesting as far as stories go. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
As an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy, I recently discovered this blog which as far as obscure blogs go quite impressed me.
He writes really well. His stories are interesting as far as stories go. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Jinx High by Mercedes Lackey -- Book Review
A couple of days ago, I finished Jinx High by Mercedes Lackey.
The book was the first I've read by Mercedes Lackey. In some ways I rather liked it. What for me was the most distinguishing quality of Lackey's writing style was her superb world building.
Jinx High is an urban fantasy set in our world with a bit of a twist. There are creepy spirits and ghosts that roam the streets and make the world a rather dangerous place to hang out. Behind these spooks lie magicians who conjure them to perform their bidding. A real creeping location, perfect for a story designed to give you the chills to take place.
In Lackey's book the lead character is Diana Tregarde a Romance Writer / investigator / witch / black belt in kung fu / clever / witty / wise person. In short she's a typical Mary-Sue. Yep, in her own book when Lackey paints the scene of Tregarde teaching writing, she tells the students to ensure that their protagonist isn't too perfect because that detracts from the tension. Well she was a wise woman, I just wish she never fell into that same pit herself.
She was thus reduced to trying to pull and force her tension from other characters stupidity and it just didn't quite work out.
Nevertheless I was still fairly happy with the book and when rating it would happily give it a 3 out of 5. It wasn't a bad book, and I don't have any real qualms with it aside from the aforementioned.
She succeeded in painting a world more in touch with reality than any I've read in ages. Her prose is quite close to invisible, though not completely. It's not a particularly beautiful prose but it tells her story.
Overall I think it was good. It had more squandered potential that was untapped. It's worth a read though. If I were you, I'd take it out of the library rather than forking out money. Or perhaps mass market paperback?
Enjoy!
The book was the first I've read by Mercedes Lackey. In some ways I rather liked it. What for me was the most distinguishing quality of Lackey's writing style was her superb world building.
Jinx High is an urban fantasy set in our world with a bit of a twist. There are creepy spirits and ghosts that roam the streets and make the world a rather dangerous place to hang out. Behind these spooks lie magicians who conjure them to perform their bidding. A real creeping location, perfect for a story designed to give you the chills to take place.
In Lackey's book the lead character is Diana Tregarde a Romance Writer / investigator / witch / black belt in kung fu / clever / witty / wise person. In short she's a typical Mary-Sue. Yep, in her own book when Lackey paints the scene of Tregarde teaching writing, she tells the students to ensure that their protagonist isn't too perfect because that detracts from the tension. Well she was a wise woman, I just wish she never fell into that same pit herself.
She was thus reduced to trying to pull and force her tension from other characters stupidity and it just didn't quite work out.
Nevertheless I was still fairly happy with the book and when rating it would happily give it a 3 out of 5. It wasn't a bad book, and I don't have any real qualms with it aside from the aforementioned.
She succeeded in painting a world more in touch with reality than any I've read in ages. Her prose is quite close to invisible, though not completely. It's not a particularly beautiful prose but it tells her story.
Overall I think it was good. It had more squandered potential that was untapped. It's worth a read though. If I were you, I'd take it out of the library rather than forking out money. Or perhaps mass market paperback?
Enjoy!
Kid Survives Airplane Crash
Oh gosh! There's so much to talk about.
I guess I could talk about Miley Cyrus and lap-dancing, but I'd probably find myself hard pushed to keep the blog PG. Which I might point out, I do make a great effort to do.
And then there's the new Microsoft Office 2010 which I guess I could deal with, but I haven't yet used it yet and cannot contribute much original content there.
I also feel like talking about the Apple lawsuit and the possible ramifications of banned iPods, but find myself distracted by this too by a rather interesting story which is in many ways tragic but is also somewhat miraculous.
I want to talk about the plane crash in Tripoli.
I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and lived there for what has so far been the overwhelming bulk of my life. It is from my home town that Afriqiyah Airways Flight 771 departed with a full stock of 104 passengers.
When the flight crashed only one man survived. A ten year old Dutch child was pulled out of the rubble with two broken legs and numerous other injuries. Still, it is a miracle that an airplane crash that killed every adult on the plane and a ten year old kid was the sole survivor.
As a religious person, it is difficult to not look at the crash without saying that the hand of God kept the child alive. Who can claim to say why the plane crashed at all? I certainly don't know, but we can take what lessons we can from this and try to live every day in such a way that it would be a worthwhile last day.
Spend all the time you can with those you care about, for you never know when they might be taken from you.
Still, when you're down and out, remember that there is that one ten year old kid that survived the plane crash. You can certainly survive some emotional trauma.
My thoughts go out to all the families of those who perished in the crash.
I guess I could talk about Miley Cyrus and lap-dancing, but I'd probably find myself hard pushed to keep the blog PG. Which I might point out, I do make a great effort to do.
And then there's the new Microsoft Office 2010 which I guess I could deal with, but I haven't yet used it yet and cannot contribute much original content there.
I also feel like talking about the Apple lawsuit and the possible ramifications of banned iPods, but find myself distracted by this too by a rather interesting story which is in many ways tragic but is also somewhat miraculous.
I want to talk about the plane crash in Tripoli.
I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and lived there for what has so far been the overwhelming bulk of my life. It is from my home town that Afriqiyah Airways Flight 771 departed with a full stock of 104 passengers.
When the flight crashed only one man survived. A ten year old Dutch child was pulled out of the rubble with two broken legs and numerous other injuries. Still, it is a miracle that an airplane crash that killed every adult on the plane and a ten year old kid was the sole survivor.
As a religious person, it is difficult to not look at the crash without saying that the hand of God kept the child alive. Who can claim to say why the plane crashed at all? I certainly don't know, but we can take what lessons we can from this and try to live every day in such a way that it would be a worthwhile last day.
Spend all the time you can with those you care about, for you never know when they might be taken from you.
Still, when you're down and out, remember that there is that one ten year old kid that survived the plane crash. You can certainly survive some emotional trauma.
My thoughts go out to all the families of those who perished in the crash.
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Telling by Ursula K. Le Guin -- Book Review
Undoubtedly one of the greatest writers alive today is Ursula K. Le Guin. I began to read her stories a couple of years ago, and still get the same warm shiver down my spine that I did when I read her Earthsea Saga: what is considered by many her magnum opus.
The Telling was an awesome read. By no means was it the greatest of Le Guin's pieces, but it is very difficult to flaw someone who writes a prose that even at its weakest point is more potent than almost any other piece of modern literature.
The Telling is set in a dystopic society similar to those of Bradbury and Orwell in Farenheit 451 and 1984 respectively. The difference is that while those societies were purely communist, Le Guin's is purely capitalist. The society is centered around maximum output and productivity with no concern for tradition and no time for leisure. Planet Aka revolves around a systematic religion of science with no regard for any superstitions or non-evidence based beliefs.
The story is told from the third person perspective of linguist Sutty, the Earthling who was left home to study linguistics. The problem is that books are burned by law and the old tongue has been de-legalized. There isn't much constructive that the linguist can do.
Sutty is sent to Ozkat-Ozkat, a town still illegally practicing ancient ways. An almost buddhist culture and a far more romantic way of life than the capitalist lifestyle of the urban part of Aka, Sutty finds herself drawn towards the lifestyle of Ozkat-Ozkat. In a style reminiscent of The Last Samaurai, Sutty finds her mind involuntarily betraying her own people for the lifestyle of Ozkat-Ozkat.
As always, the distant web that Le Guin weaves elicits emotional response rare in literature.
There are few flaws with the book, but what was for me the most obvious was that Le Guin almost seems to be preaching. Her protagonist's feelings and thoughts towards certain issues seem to be geared towards convincing her audience of her beliefs. Though she tries to be subtle about it, I find that she somewhat fails.
Also, the unilateral culture of Aka is a little to fictitious. I cannot quite bring myself to believe in the planet's viability.
Finally, her story has just been done too many times before. Her classiness as a writer still distinguishes it, but it's not as impressive as some of her other more original and developed work.
The books a worthwhile investment. I'd advise buying it only after having read her more impressive books. For her Science fiction, try The Dispossessed, for her Fantasy, try Earthsea. For historical fiction try Lavinia. For young adults fiction try Voices and the other novels in its saga.
Enjoy!
The Telling was an awesome read. By no means was it the greatest of Le Guin's pieces, but it is very difficult to flaw someone who writes a prose that even at its weakest point is more potent than almost any other piece of modern literature.
The Telling is set in a dystopic society similar to those of Bradbury and Orwell in Farenheit 451 and 1984 respectively. The difference is that while those societies were purely communist, Le Guin's is purely capitalist. The society is centered around maximum output and productivity with no concern for tradition and no time for leisure. Planet Aka revolves around a systematic religion of science with no regard for any superstitions or non-evidence based beliefs.
The story is told from the third person perspective of linguist Sutty, the Earthling who was left home to study linguistics. The problem is that books are burned by law and the old tongue has been de-legalized. There isn't much constructive that the linguist can do.
Sutty is sent to Ozkat-Ozkat, a town still illegally practicing ancient ways. An almost buddhist culture and a far more romantic way of life than the capitalist lifestyle of the urban part of Aka, Sutty finds herself drawn towards the lifestyle of Ozkat-Ozkat. In a style reminiscent of The Last Samaurai, Sutty finds her mind involuntarily betraying her own people for the lifestyle of Ozkat-Ozkat.
As always, the distant web that Le Guin weaves elicits emotional response rare in literature.
There are few flaws with the book, but what was for me the most obvious was that Le Guin almost seems to be preaching. Her protagonist's feelings and thoughts towards certain issues seem to be geared towards convincing her audience of her beliefs. Though she tries to be subtle about it, I find that she somewhat fails.
Also, the unilateral culture of Aka is a little to fictitious. I cannot quite bring myself to believe in the planet's viability.
Finally, her story has just been done too many times before. Her classiness as a writer still distinguishes it, but it's not as impressive as some of her other more original and developed work.
The books a worthwhile investment. I'd advise buying it only after having read her more impressive books. For her Science fiction, try The Dispossessed, for her Fantasy, try Earthsea. For historical fiction try Lavinia. For young adults fiction try Voices and the other novels in its saga.
Enjoy!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Want Your Blog Featured on yRate?
I've been thinking for a while about reviewing blogs on yRate. I'm looking for blogs with interesting content and good writing.
If you think that your blog is good enough to make it onto yRate, post a link to it in the comments.
While I am not guaranteeing that any blog published in the comments will make it onto yRate, I can guarantee that I will look through each link posted and consider it for a blog review.
If your blog catches my attention, I'll review it at some stage or another on yRate. I'm not looking for merely one blog, I'm looking for a whole variety to review over time.
So, you think you can blog? If so drop me a link, and you may be the subject of a future blog entry.
If you think that your blog is good enough to make it onto yRate, post a link to it in the comments.
While I am not guaranteeing that any blog published in the comments will make it onto yRate, I can guarantee that I will look through each link posted and consider it for a blog review.
If your blog catches my attention, I'll review it at some stage or another on yRate. I'm not looking for merely one blog, I'm looking for a whole variety to review over time.
So, you think you can blog? If so drop me a link, and you may be the subject of a future blog entry.
Times Square, the Taliban, and Terrorism in General
When the news is all filled with the idea that the US government ties the attempted bombing on Times Square to the Taliban, there is not much else to blog about. So you'll excuse me, I hope, for jumping onto the band wagon.
For those who don't know, the US have said it was a Taliban group responsible for the attack. The LA Times' story is here.
What is there to say about terrorism that hasn't been said already?
I know, perhaps I should get controversial. President Obama, as we all know, is regarding torture, a card carrying democrat. Well, he's a democrat in most areas, I guess. Hence his representing the Democrats.
It just so happens that while I too am often accused of being a crazy liberal, I don't see eye to eye with the liberals on issues of torturing terrorists. No don't stop reading from pure shock at my idiocy yet. I want to at least have earned your scorn. Oh, I know that there are far more effective and efficient ways of extracting information from terrorists than torture. Believe me, I am sure of this.
I also know that there is a value on a human's life. Even the most lowlife of terrorists are people. Problem is that they're people who don't value life. Suicide bombers don't even value their own lives.
Still, what good can ever come from torturing them? You might as well get your information out of them a less painful way. Especially if it works better.
I have always been a bit of a chess player and I want to let you in on a secret. When faced with fire, one of the most appropriate methods of response is fire. Imagine if every terrorist in the world knew that if he was caught he'd suffer pain of enormous magnitude if he were captured. The purpose of torture is not treatment to the sickness of terrorism, it's prevention of the disease itself.
If torture was openly allowed, terrorists would think twice before trying an attack.
As for the morals of hurting a human being, by failing to act, you are hurting all those victims of future terrorist attacks that might have been prevented by creating a fear of torture. There are no two ways about it, if you're kind to the terrorists, you're cruel to the civilians.
Feel free to argue in the comments, but please keep it polite and constructive.
Have a great one!
For those who don't know, the US have said it was a Taliban group responsible for the attack. The LA Times' story is here.
What is there to say about terrorism that hasn't been said already?
I know, perhaps I should get controversial. President Obama, as we all know, is regarding torture, a card carrying democrat. Well, he's a democrat in most areas, I guess. Hence his representing the Democrats.
It just so happens that while I too am often accused of being a crazy liberal, I don't see eye to eye with the liberals on issues of torturing terrorists. No don't stop reading from pure shock at my idiocy yet. I want to at least have earned your scorn. Oh, I know that there are far more effective and efficient ways of extracting information from terrorists than torture. Believe me, I am sure of this.
I also know that there is a value on a human's life. Even the most lowlife of terrorists are people. Problem is that they're people who don't value life. Suicide bombers don't even value their own lives.
Still, what good can ever come from torturing them? You might as well get your information out of them a less painful way. Especially if it works better.
I have always been a bit of a chess player and I want to let you in on a secret. When faced with fire, one of the most appropriate methods of response is fire. Imagine if every terrorist in the world knew that if he was caught he'd suffer pain of enormous magnitude if he were captured. The purpose of torture is not treatment to the sickness of terrorism, it's prevention of the disease itself.
If torture was openly allowed, terrorists would think twice before trying an attack.
As for the morals of hurting a human being, by failing to act, you are hurting all those victims of future terrorist attacks that might have been prevented by creating a fear of torture. There are no two ways about it, if you're kind to the terrorists, you're cruel to the civilians.
Feel free to argue in the comments, but please keep it polite and constructive.
Have a great one!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The True Twilight Story (Part 2)
You might recall that not too long ago, toward the end of April, we began The True Twilight Story. For those who want to read Part 1, it can be found here.
Let's just say that it's finally out in the open. *sing-song* Eddy and Bella sitting in a tree! *end sing-song*
Yep, Kristin Stewart and Robert Pattinson have finally let the cat out of the bag. And in the presence of Oprah too. Talk about a way to make it public!
I have a mind now to start making a thousand Twilight wise-cracks, though I am trying to hold it in. Okay, I give up. I suppose the Hollywood glamour has made Robert Pattinson scintillate just like his character. And I think that the blood-perfume that Elisabeth Arden puts out is what makes Kristin smell so sexy.
Still, I suppose it is quite a heartwarming prospect that we get to experience what seems at least to be an innocent romance from two young stars. Difficult to believe isn't it? Almost as difficult to believe as a vampire romancing a human, isn't it?
Okay, I'm going to stop having fun at the expense of Twilight now. Yes, they've gone public, and that's about all there is to know.
To all Twilight fans: I apologize for the wise cracks, but I couldn't resist.
Enjoy the remainder of the weekend!
Let's just say that it's finally out in the open. *sing-song* Eddy and Bella sitting in a tree! *end sing-song*
Yep, Kristin Stewart and Robert Pattinson have finally let the cat out of the bag. And in the presence of Oprah too. Talk about a way to make it public!
I have a mind now to start making a thousand Twilight wise-cracks, though I am trying to hold it in. Okay, I give up. I suppose the Hollywood glamour has made Robert Pattinson scintillate just like his character. And I think that the blood-perfume that Elisabeth Arden puts out is what makes Kristin smell so sexy.
Still, I suppose it is quite a heartwarming prospect that we get to experience what seems at least to be an innocent romance from two young stars. Difficult to believe isn't it? Almost as difficult to believe as a vampire romancing a human, isn't it?
Okay, I'm going to stop having fun at the expense of Twilight now. Yes, they've gone public, and that's about all there is to know.
To all Twilight fans: I apologize for the wise cracks, but I couldn't resist.
Enjoy the remainder of the weekend!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Justin Bieber and the German Dilemma -- A video from YouTube
The following video is of Justin Bieber getting interviewed and he comes across a rather difficult question.
I must say, in all honesty that Bieber seems more innocent than most with his fame. I am quite impressed.
I must say, in all honesty that Bieber seems more innocent than most with his fame. I am quite impressed.
Kendra Wilkinson and the Sex-Tape Scandal
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click here to view the post.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Elder Gods by David Eddings -- Book Review
As an avid reader of Fantasy for as long as I can remember, I've been trying to sample every fantasy writer I can get my hands on.
For the longest time people have been recommending David Eddings to me. So after a real long time, I finally got my hands on one of his books. Naturally, now that I've got Eddings under my belt, my list of popular fantasy authors to still read has grown slightly shorter.
I bought a second hand copy of The Elder Gods by David Eddings at The Strand, a second hand bookstore in Manhattan, about a month ago. The book is the first in The Dreamers series and was released in 2003, so it's quite recent and I don't need to feel too guilty about judging an author based on a style that is sure to have changed over time. Eddings by 2003 had enough time to come into his own style.
My honest opinion on the book is that it sucked.
If I am really not enjoying a book I usually put it down, and though I considered putting The Elder Gods down several times I decided to read to the end. I guess that makes it better than certain fatally flawed books, but not many and not by much.
I'm not one to make rash statements without backing them up, so here is the why:
First and foremost, the book lacked conflict. The protagonists in the book (all the unnecessary protagonists as well) were seemingly flawless. When the character with the coolest weapon and the most sarcastic character, and the most funny character, a book is doomed to failure. What keeps a reader attached to a book is the fear of the protagonist's failure. What keeps a reader focused is well written complex plot. What keeps a reader entertained is interesting character interaction. A good book draws emotion out of a reader.
Through reading The Elder Gods, I felt no emotion whatsoever and felt I was reading a dry, uninteresting fanfiction-like amateurish piece of writing.
Character interaction was monotonous with nothing unexpected happening throughout the book. The antagonists were completely undeveloped without any sort of justification or sense.
Okay I've finished my rant. I wouldn't waste my time on this if I were you. Go read J R R Tolkien or Ursula K. Le Guin if you feel the need to spend your time on fantasy.
That is the verdict.
Have a great one!
For the longest time people have been recommending David Eddings to me. So after a real long time, I finally got my hands on one of his books. Naturally, now that I've got Eddings under my belt, my list of popular fantasy authors to still read has grown slightly shorter.
I bought a second hand copy of The Elder Gods by David Eddings at The Strand, a second hand bookstore in Manhattan, about a month ago. The book is the first in The Dreamers series and was released in 2003, so it's quite recent and I don't need to feel too guilty about judging an author based on a style that is sure to have changed over time. Eddings by 2003 had enough time to come into his own style.
My honest opinion on the book is that it sucked.
If I am really not enjoying a book I usually put it down, and though I considered putting The Elder Gods down several times I decided to read to the end. I guess that makes it better than certain fatally flawed books, but not many and not by much.
I'm not one to make rash statements without backing them up, so here is the why:
First and foremost, the book lacked conflict. The protagonists in the book (all the unnecessary protagonists as well) were seemingly flawless. When the character with the coolest weapon and the most sarcastic character, and the most funny character, a book is doomed to failure. What keeps a reader attached to a book is the fear of the protagonist's failure. What keeps a reader focused is well written complex plot. What keeps a reader entertained is interesting character interaction. A good book draws emotion out of a reader.
Through reading The Elder Gods, I felt no emotion whatsoever and felt I was reading a dry, uninteresting fanfiction-like amateurish piece of writing.
Character interaction was monotonous with nothing unexpected happening throughout the book. The antagonists were completely undeveloped without any sort of justification or sense.
Okay I've finished my rant. I wouldn't waste my time on this if I were you. Go read J R R Tolkien or Ursula K. Le Guin if you feel the need to spend your time on fantasy.
That is the verdict.
Have a great one!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
On Bombs and Politics
It appears as though America is once again coming under threat of explosive violence once again.
Times Square, the ultimate target for a car bomb. The UN nuclear summit, the ultimate location for Iran hint at being victimized by the United States. The ultimate location to promote their own nuclear program.
The truth is that I cannot for the life of me work out why it is that Ahmadinejad finds it so surprising that the United States fears he's building nuclear weapons. For one thing he openly despises Israel as a Jewish State and has denied the holocaust, almost indicating a ferocious hatred towards Jews. For another he's threatened the destruction of the US and Israel.
I don't think any sane country would even allow someone like him to set foot on its shore after threats of demolition, let alone allow him to speak at one of its most influential universities.
I'd like to tell Mr Ahmadinejad that he's lacks a certain credibility when he claims that his country is producing nuclear energy for the sole purpose of energy. If that were the case after all, it would perhaps be easier to just build regular energy generators and avoid a whole lot of conflict.
What can be said other than that we need to start taking a stronger stand against terrorism. President Obama, you can't bargain with those who openly hate you without viable reason. Please learn that lesson soon.
The man who is kind to the cruel, ultimately somewhere down the line, will be responsible for the cruelty to the kind administered by the source that he should have quashed all those years ago.
Times Square, the ultimate target for a car bomb. The UN nuclear summit, the ultimate location for Iran hint at being victimized by the United States. The ultimate location to promote their own nuclear program.
The truth is that I cannot for the life of me work out why it is that Ahmadinejad finds it so surprising that the United States fears he's building nuclear weapons. For one thing he openly despises Israel as a Jewish State and has denied the holocaust, almost indicating a ferocious hatred towards Jews. For another he's threatened the destruction of the US and Israel.
I don't think any sane country would even allow someone like him to set foot on its shore after threats of demolition, let alone allow him to speak at one of its most influential universities.
I'd like to tell Mr Ahmadinejad that he's lacks a certain credibility when he claims that his country is producing nuclear energy for the sole purpose of energy. If that were the case after all, it would perhaps be easier to just build regular energy generators and avoid a whole lot of conflict.
What can be said other than that we need to start taking a stronger stand against terrorism. President Obama, you can't bargain with those who openly hate you without viable reason. Please learn that lesson soon.
The man who is kind to the cruel, ultimately somewhere down the line, will be responsible for the cruelty to the kind administered by the source that he should have quashed all those years ago.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
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