Skip ahead of the next few paragraph if you’re one of those people who don’t like to read, you’ll find eye candy below.
First, books of the week…
I just finished reading Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby is a quick little shot at exploring wasted time, reclusive rock stars, fanatic internet conspiracy theorists followers, and the search for meaning among the aftermath of alcohol infused bed hopping, long-term relationships, and self-imposed exile. Classic and very readable Hornby of High Fidelity fame.
Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea by Gary Kinder is the true story of the recovery of a ship filled with gold and other historic artifacts dating back to the American gold rush. Great story of the perils of going to sea, the origins of the gold rush, the amazing efforts of one man and his team to establish a working scientific presence 8-10,000 feet below the surface of the ocean, and the ensuing legal wrangling that followed when they discovered the most gold ever found in a shipwreck. A completely wonderful adventure even more fun because it really happened. One of the best elements of the book (and really the core of the story) is the main character. Tommy (Harvey) Thompson is a template for the idea of creativity, invention, perseverance, and the scientific method (though it looks like he has lately run afoul of the legal system). This is a story about doing what all the experts thought was impossible. A must read.
Ok, I read The Meaning of Night this week as well (hey I was traveling). If you like Victorian England vaguely Dickensian or at least Wilkiesian mystery thrillers where the first page starts off with someone killing an innocent man and then dining on a fine meal at his club, than you’ll like this. Full of first person backstories, detailed plotting, and the taste of revenge. An engaging ride through a series of adventures that ultimately leads to at least a few more deaths. Good fun.
Right, on to the top five…
————————-Top Five————————
1. Caveman science fiction.
2. This is apparently not fake.
3. The fun theory. Watch this.
5. I want a subscription to this set of books. Ok, really, I want everything that is on sale here.
———————The Rest—————
Jedi mind tricks…
Well sure, that sounds like a good idea.
Star Wars uncut… uh, maybe not the right name
20 worst tech failures in movies…
Machinarium is just beautiful, especially if you like the architecture of Lebbious Woods.
If you’re in NY this fall you might want to check it out the phantom city…
If you’re in the UK, don’t even think about it.
Natalie Portman brings us the making of…
The Botany of Desire was a curious book about the evil manipulations of humankind by the insidious and patient overlords of our world, obviously I’m talking about Apples, Tulips, Marijuana, and Potatoes (oh my!). Now the book has become a PBS documentary.
This is like some kind of school house rock for advertisers. Yikes.