Sunday, June 17, 2018
A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea
Born in 1947 in Kawasaki, Japan, Masaji Ishikawa moved with his parents and three sisters to North Korea in 1960 at the age of thirteen, where he lived until his escape in 1996. He currently resides in Japan.
Mr. Ishikawa engagingly told his story. I kept wanting his circumstances to improve as the book went on even though I knew they would not. The life that he and his family had to live in the DPRK and the way that was fooled by numerous governments at the time to move to the DPRK is disgusting. The cruel way that his family was treated in the DPRK is disgusting. What is even more horrific to me is that Mr. Ishikawa's story is not unique.
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Bohemians of the Latin Quarter
A classic novel, by of Bohemian life. The story is a collection of loosely united chapters beginning with the first meeting of the four main characters and ending with their departure from Bohemia in favor of bourgeois life, published in 1851. Although it is commonly called a novel, it does not follow standard novel form. It is a collection of loosely related stories, all set in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the 1840s, romanticizing bohemian life in a playful way. Most of the stories were originally published individually in a local literary magazine, Le Corsaire. Many of them were semi-autobiographical, featuring characters based on actual individuals who would have been familiar to some of the magazine's readers. The version I read was provided by Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg offers over 57,000 free eBooks. Choose among free epub books, free kindle books, download them or read them online. You will find the world's great literature here, with focus on older works for which copyright has expired. Thousands of volunteers digitized and diligently proofread the eBooks, for enjoyment and education.
La bohème is an opera in four acts, composed by Giacomo Puccini to an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa, based on this book. The world premiere performance of La bohème was in Turin on 1 February 1896 at the Teatro Regio, conducted by the young Arturo Toscanini; its U.S. premiere took place the following year, 1897, in Los Angeles. Since then, La bohème has become part of the standard Italian opera repertory and is one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide. The current musical Rent is based heavily on this opera.
I am a huge fan of the musical and movie Rent. Given that, I felt compelled to read the original basis story. It was fun to read and rather than attempt the correct pronunciations of the names, I just used the rent character's names in my head. Of course, not all the characters crossed the stories, but it still worked for most. Mimi was one that didn't change. What I found interesting in the stories is the leaving of the bohemian life by all the living characters. It was very much a coming of age story in that way. The book really showed the bohemian life as a young life that cannot last.
Project Gutenberg offers over 57,000 free eBooks. Choose among free epub books, free kindle books, download them or read them online. You will find the world's great literature here, with focus on older works for which copyright has expired. Thousands of volunteers digitized and diligently proofread the eBooks, for enjoyment and education.
La bohème is an opera in four acts, composed by Giacomo Puccini to an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa, based on this book. The world premiere performance of La bohème was in Turin on 1 February 1896 at the Teatro Regio, conducted by the young Arturo Toscanini; its U.S. premiere took place the following year, 1897, in Los Angeles. Since then, La bohème has become part of the standard Italian opera repertory and is one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide. The current musical Rent is based heavily on this opera.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
The Price of Greatness
An incisive account of the tumultuous relationship between Alexander Hamilton and James Madison and of the origins of our wealthy yet highly unequal nation
In the history of American politics, there are few stories as enigmatic as that of Alexander Hamilton and James Madison's bitterly personal falling out. Together they helped bring the Constitution into being, yet soon after the new republic was born, they broke over the meaning of its founding document. Hamilton emphasized economic growth, Madison the importance of republican principles.
Jay Cost is the first to argue that both men were right--and that their quarrel reveals a fundamental paradox at the heart of the American experiment. He shows that each man in his own way came to accept corruption as a necessary cost of growth. The Price of Greatness reveals the trade-off that made the United States the wealthiest nation in human history, and that continues to fracture our politics to this day.
My study of history did not provide a compare and contrast of Madison and Hamilton. Mr. Cost provides an excellent comparison of the political philosophy of Madison and Hamilton. He also teaches a beautiful truth for all statesmen through Hamilton. Though one may believe they know a person or people, they are not necessarily dependable when placed in a situation of personal gain versus national interest. Mr. Cost also points out the change that happened in our founders as time past. Madison accepted Hamilton's views as Madison took on other responsibilities.
This book was a pleasure to read and filled in my understanding of 18th century America. The only negative that I can type of this book is actually a statement of my vocabulary. I found the Kindel's dictionary very useful. Mr. Cost used words that I was unfamiliar with. My assessment of my own vocabulary was adjusted.
In the history of American politics, there are few stories as enigmatic as that of Alexander Hamilton and James Madison's bitterly personal falling out. Together they helped bring the Constitution into being, yet soon after the new republic was born, they broke over the meaning of its founding document. Hamilton emphasized economic growth, Madison the importance of republican principles.
Jay Cost is the first to argue that both men were right--and that their quarrel reveals a fundamental paradox at the heart of the American experiment. He shows that each man in his own way came to accept corruption as a necessary cost of growth. The Price of Greatness reveals the trade-off that made the United States the wealthiest nation in human history, and that continues to fracture our politics to this day.
This book was a pleasure to read and filled in my understanding of 18th century America. The only negative that I can type of this book is actually a statement of my vocabulary. I found the Kindel's dictionary very useful. Mr. Cost used words that I was unfamiliar with. My assessment of my own vocabulary was adjusted.
Monday, May 7, 2018
Lost In Math
A contrarian argues that modern physicists' obsession with beauty has given us wonderful math but bad science
Whether pondering black holes or predicting discoveries at CERN, physicists believe the best theories are beautiful, natural, and elegant, and this standard separates popular theories from disposable ones. This is why, Sabine Hossenfelder argues, we have not seen a major breakthrough in the foundations of physics for more than four decades. The belief in beauty has become so dogmatic that it now conflicts with scientific objectivity: observation has been unable to confirm mindboggling theories, like supersymmetry or grand unification, invented by physicists based on aesthetic criteria. Worse, these "too good to not be true" theories are actually untestable and they have left the field in a cul-de-sac. To escape, physicists must rethink their methods. Only by embracing reality as it is can science discover the truth.
I was intrigued by this book from the start. Being a physics and math nerd, the author had me. It was curious to me. Her thesis is that science, particularly particle physics theory, has been led astray by a non-scientific pursuit of the aesthetic quality of theories "beauty." It has been very common for me to hear and for me to say regarding some of the math of theories that have been proven that the math is beautiful. Maxwell's equations for electromagnetism are beautiful. Four "simple" equations that explain all of the electromagnetics is beautiful in my mind. Have I been led astray by this principle of beauty?
Dr. Hossenfelder interviews numerous scientists in her field and outside her area to see if this approach has hijacked science from is experimental roots. As an experimental physicist, I found the book very enjoyable and a little disturbing. Have we been led astray? Have we left the truth of scientific research for a group think pursuit of beauty?
Whether pondering black holes or predicting discoveries at CERN, physicists believe the best theories are beautiful, natural, and elegant, and this standard separates popular theories from disposable ones. This is why, Sabine Hossenfelder argues, we have not seen a major breakthrough in the foundations of physics for more than four decades. The belief in beauty has become so dogmatic that it now conflicts with scientific objectivity: observation has been unable to confirm mindboggling theories, like supersymmetry or grand unification, invented by physicists based on aesthetic criteria. Worse, these "too good to not be true" theories are actually untestable and they have left the field in a cul-de-sac. To escape, physicists must rethink their methods. Only by embracing reality as it is can science discover the truth.
Dr. Hossenfelder interviews numerous scientists in her field and outside her area to see if this approach has hijacked science from is experimental roots. As an experimental physicist, I found the book very enjoyable and a little disturbing. Have we been led astray? Have we left the truth of scientific research for a group think pursuit of beauty?
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
The Green Mile
Stephen King’s classic #1 New York Times bestselling dramatic serial novel and inspiration for the Oscar-nominated film starring Tom Hanks!
Welcome to Cold Mountain Penitentiary, home to the Depression-worn men of E Block. Convicted killers all, each awaits his turn to walk “the Green Mile,” the lime-colored linoleum corridor leading to a final meeting with Old Sparky, Cold Mountain’s electric chair. Prison guard Paul Edgecombe has seen his share of oddities over the years working the Mile, but he’s never seen anything like John Coffey—a man with the body of a giant and the mind of a child, condemned for a crime terrifying in its violence and shocking in its depravity. And in this place of ultimate retribution, Edgecombe is about to discover the terrible, wondrous truth about John Coffey—a truth that will challenge his most cherished beliefs….
I regret having seen the movie before having read the book, or books as it were, as with most books made into movies. King is such an excellent writer that it is almost a crime to not read his book but watch a video. I am not a rabid (ha, ha, ha, ha) fan, but I have read several of his books. This is by far the best of his works that I have read.
His descriptions are vivid. He utilizes foreshadowing and symbolism skilfully. I actually teared up in the last few pages. I was moved by the characters and also that the book was coming to an end. The only negative view of this work I have is that King is such a skillful writer I feel inadequate to write.
Of modern fiction writers, I believe King is the best. I am not a fan of macabre. Having read this great story of King's, I wished it wrote more like it.
Welcome to Cold Mountain Penitentiary, home to the Depression-worn men of E Block. Convicted killers all, each awaits his turn to walk “the Green Mile,” the lime-colored linoleum corridor leading to a final meeting with Old Sparky, Cold Mountain’s electric chair. Prison guard Paul Edgecombe has seen his share of oddities over the years working the Mile, but he’s never seen anything like John Coffey—a man with the body of a giant and the mind of a child, condemned for a crime terrifying in its violence and shocking in its depravity. And in this place of ultimate retribution, Edgecombe is about to discover the terrible, wondrous truth about John Coffey—a truth that will challenge his most cherished beliefs….
His descriptions are vivid. He utilizes foreshadowing and symbolism skilfully. I actually teared up in the last few pages. I was moved by the characters and also that the book was coming to an end. The only negative view of this work I have is that King is such a skillful writer I feel inadequate to write.
Of modern fiction writers, I believe King is the best. I am not a fan of macabre. Having read this great story of King's, I wished it wrote more like it.
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Fortune's Favorites
With incomparable storytelling skill, New York Times bestselling author Colleen McCullough brings Rome alive in all her majesty—and illuminates the world of those favored by the gods at birth.
In a time of cataclysmic upheaval, a bold new generation of Romans vied for greatness amid the disintegrating remnants of their beloved Republic. They were the chosen...and the cursed—blessed with wealth and privilege yet burdened by the dictates of destiny in a savage struggle for power that would leave countless numbers crushed and destroyed. But there was one who would tower above them all—a brilliant and beautiful boy whose ambition was unparalleled, whose love was legend, and whose glory was Rome's: a boy they would one day call "Caesar."
This third book in the Master's of Rome series was another enjoyable read by McCullough. She is such an excellent writer, I believe she could take boring parts of history and make them enjoyable. Fortune's Favorites seems like a transition for the series. Sulla dies. The Spartican revolt is put down. The republic struggles to continue to exist under the Sulla constitution. And Gaius Julius Caesar rises.
Though this is a buffer book, it continues a great series that is a joy to read. The fall of the republic is far to similar to our "republic".
In a time of cataclysmic upheaval, a bold new generation of Romans vied for greatness amid the disintegrating remnants of their beloved Republic. They were the chosen...and the cursed—blessed with wealth and privilege yet burdened by the dictates of destiny in a savage struggle for power that would leave countless numbers crushed and destroyed. But there was one who would tower above them all—a brilliant and beautiful boy whose ambition was unparalleled, whose love was legend, and whose glory was Rome's: a boy they would one day call "Caesar."
This third book in the Master's of Rome series was another enjoyable read by McCullough. She is such an excellent writer, I believe she could take boring parts of history and make them enjoyable. Fortune's Favorites seems like a transition for the series. Sulla dies. The Spartican revolt is put down. The republic struggles to continue to exist under the Sulla constitution. And Gaius Julius Caesar rises.
Though this is a buffer book, it continues a great series that is a joy to read. The fall of the republic is far to similar to our "republic".
Monday, April 2, 2018
The Brink
The incredible story of the 1983 war game that triggered a tense, brittle period of nuclear brinkmanship between the United States and the former Soviet Union.
What happened in 1983 to make the Soviet Union so afraid of a potential nuclear strike from the United States that they sent mobile ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) into the field, placing them on a three-minute alert?
Marc Ambinder explains the anxious period between the United States and the Soviet Union from 1982 to 1984, with the “Able Archer ’83” war game as the fulcrum of the tension. With astonishing and clarifying new details, he recounts the scary series of the close encounters that tested the limits of ordinary humans and powerful leaders alike. Ambinder explains how political leadership ultimately triumphed over misunderstandings, helping the two countries maintain a fragile peace.
Ambinder provides a comprehensive and chilling account of the nuclear command and control process, from intelligence warnings to the composition of the nuclear codes themselves. And he affords glimpses into the secret world of a preemptive electronic attack that scared the Soviet Union into action. Ambinder’s account reads like a thriller, recounting the spy-versus-spy games that kept both countries—and the world—in check.
From geopolitics in Moscow and Washington to sweat-caked soldiers fighting in the trenches of the Cold War, to high-stakes war games across NATO and the Warsaw Pact, The Brink serves as the definitive intelligence, nuclear, and national security history of one of the most precarious times in recent memory.
This book is an excellent telling of the end of the cold war and one of the near nuclear conflicts that occurred. Having grown up in the 1980s, much of this book filled in the truth of the time that I was not aware. The fear of the Soviet Union I understood well. The Soviet fear of the United States surprised me. I had never thought of my country as a threat to another.
The author does a great job of outlining the problems of Mutually Assured Destruction diplomacy. He explains the efforts that President Reagan had to goto to engage the Soviets directly. The complete lack of trust that the State Department had for the Soviets and the President surprised me. I never realized the difficulty of implementing a new approach by a president. The bureaucracy does run the town.
What happened in 1983 to make the Soviet Union so afraid of a potential nuclear strike from the United States that they sent mobile ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) into the field, placing them on a three-minute alert?
Marc Ambinder explains the anxious period between the United States and the Soviet Union from 1982 to 1984, with the “Able Archer ’83” war game as the fulcrum of the tension. With astonishing and clarifying new details, he recounts the scary series of the close encounters that tested the limits of ordinary humans and powerful leaders alike. Ambinder explains how political leadership ultimately triumphed over misunderstandings, helping the two countries maintain a fragile peace.
Ambinder provides a comprehensive and chilling account of the nuclear command and control process, from intelligence warnings to the composition of the nuclear codes themselves. And he affords glimpses into the secret world of a preemptive electronic attack that scared the Soviet Union into action. Ambinder’s account reads like a thriller, recounting the spy-versus-spy games that kept both countries—and the world—in check.
From geopolitics in Moscow and Washington to sweat-caked soldiers fighting in the trenches of the Cold War, to high-stakes war games across NATO and the Warsaw Pact, The Brink serves as the definitive intelligence, nuclear, and national security history of one of the most precarious times in recent memory.
The author does a great job of outlining the problems of Mutually Assured Destruction diplomacy. He explains the efforts that President Reagan had to goto to engage the Soviets directly. The complete lack of trust that the State Department had for the Soviets and the President surprised me. I never realized the difficulty of implementing a new approach by a president. The bureaucracy does run the town.
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