Clearing the Backlog...

[Diet Soda]

1. American Hustle
2. Last Vegas
3. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
4. The Wolf of Wall Street
5. 12 Years a Slave
6. The LEGO Movie
7. The Monuments Men

Bit of a let down when you consider who was involved.

 

[Shadowmancer]

I am currently reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman. Its good so far.

 

[Uncle Sam]

The timely purchase of a Kindle has allowed me to read three books - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The God Delusion and Infinite Jest - at the same time. Still don't know how you ***** make so much headway in such a short space of time but this development has sped me right up.

 

[Danger Burger]

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The God Delusion and Infinite Jest - at the same time. Still don't know how you ***** make so much headway in such a short space of time but this development has sped me right up.

My kindle really reinvigorated my reading. Even if it made it difficult to choose sometimes. Too many wrestling biographies.

By the by, did you pay for those or download them illegally? I want to read two of them. Knowing the can be got for free is nice.

 

[Uncle Sam]

I pay for my movies, I pay for my music and I pay for my books.

 

[Барбоса]

Films

First Viewing

1. Eastern Promises
2. Lust, Caution
3. Taxi Driver
4. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
5. Valhalla Rising
6. Django Unchained
7. Contraband
8. Zoolander
9. Centurion
10. The Eagle
11. Super

Didn't enjoy this anywhere near as much as I thought I might and it comes across as a second rate Kick Ass knockoff in the large.

As well as being copies - Bolty is Hit Girl - aside from Frank, the characters involved are actually quite poor and undeveloped and things like the death of the Sergeant at Frank's house is largely redundant - indeed, the movie as a whole could probably have done with being a good 20-30mins longer. It lurches towards some kind of message about Bolt being just as bad as the villain but even that is awkward and tacked on, seemingly serving only to provide a reason for the 'hero' not to get the girl.

I will say that I found Frank's reason for becoming the Crimson Bolt - he's crazy - as far more believable than that of say Kick Ass.


Repeat Viewing

1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher

Books

Read

1. James Bowder (ed.) Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (2012)
2. Paul S. Kemp Star Wars: Riptide (2011)
3. James E. Fraser The Roman Conquest of Scotland: The Battle of Mons Graupius AD84 (2008)
4. Aaron Allston Star Wars: X-Wing #10 - Mercy Kill
5. Chester G. Starr The Influence of Sea Power on Ancient History (1989)
6. Robert Harvey Clive: The Life and Death of a British Emperor (1998)
7. David Ross Nelson: Britain's Greatest Naval Commander (2005)
8. Dan Crompton A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: The World's Oldest Joke Book (2010)
9. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Choices of One (2012)
10. Peter Haining A Brief History of Cults: Bizarre Rituals and Murderous Practices Revealed (1999)

Currently Reading

1. Peter Heather Empires and Barbarians: Migration, Development and the Birth of Europe (2009)
2. Drew Karpyshyn Star Wars: The Old Republic - Annihilation (2013)

 

[Барбоса]

Films

First Viewing

1. Eastern Promises
2. Lust, Caution
3. Taxi Driver
4. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
5. Valhalla Rising
6. Django Unchained
7. Contraband
8. Zoolander
9. Centurion
10. The Eagle
11. Super

Repeat Viewing

1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher

Books

Read

1. James Bowder (ed.) Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (2012)
2. Paul S. Kemp Star Wars: Riptide (2011)
3. James E. Fraser The Roman Conquest of Scotland: The Battle of Mons Graupius AD84 (2008)
4. Aaron Allston Star Wars: X-Wing #10 - Mercy Kill
5. Chester G. Starr The Influence of Sea Power on Ancient History (1989)
6. Robert Harvey Clive: The Life and Death of a British Emperor (1998)
7. David Ross Nelson: Britain's Greatest Naval Commander (2005)
8. Dan Crompton A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: The World's Oldest Joke Book (2010)
9. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Choices of One (2012)
10. Peter Haining A Brief History of Cults: Bizarre Rituals and Murderous Practices Revealed (1999)
11. Drew Karpyshyn Star Wars: The Old Republic - Annihilation

The Old Republic era is one of my favourites in the SW:EU and in parts this lives up to that - but only in parts. The best thing for me about this series is the exploring of the Sith and their Empire and this book has an excellent, albeit short-lived addition in the Dark Side infused Ascendant Spear battleship and some showings of the inner workings with the Dark Council and its Ministries. However, they are all too fleeting and for a significant stretch, it slumps into the family affairs of the main character and the Jedi, which is almost passe now for the Star Wars series in general. I did like that even the non-Jedi of the Republic show something of an exasperation with the philosophies of the Force users and how they are largely useless and unhelpful.

I wanted more from Darth Karrid, maybe a showdown with her former Jedi Master, and from the Ascendant Spear itself, maybe spread out Operation End Game over to another novel for a more climactic battle. In a way, the Sith battleship was too powerful making the Battle of Duro underwhelming. If I had had my way, the sabotage of Theron and Dural would have caused lasting damage to the Spear at Duro, perhaps killing Karrid and ruining the interface, but not destroyed it. A second book then could have seen a Jedi-Republic task force under Malcolm and Satele Shan hunting down the stricken vessel, while Theron attempted to stop the Dark Council uncovering some of Darth Mekhis' learning that could fix the Spear. It would then culminate in an epic battle, perhaps even a three way war between the Jedi-Republic, Sith and the Spear, with the latter under the control of someone, one of Karrid's surviving apprentices maybe, striking out for themselves.

Currently Reading

1. Peter Heather Empires and Barbarians: Migration, Development and the Birth of Europe (2009)
2. Shaun Porter Barbaric Methods of Ancient Execution

 

[Барбоса]

Films

First Viewing

1. Eastern Promises
2. Lust, Caution
3. Taxi Driver
4. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
5. Valhalla Rising
6. Django Unchained
7. Contraband
8. Zoolander
9. Centurion
10. The Eagle
11. Super

Repeat Viewing

1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher

Books

Read

1. James Bowder (ed.) Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (2012)
2. Paul S. Kemp Star Wars: Riptide (2011)
3. James E. Fraser The Roman Conquest of Scotland: The Battle of Mons Graupius AD84 (2008)
4. Aaron Allston Star Wars: X-Wing #10 - Mercy Kill
5. Chester G. Starr The Influence of Sea Power on Ancient History (1989)
6. Robert Harvey Clive: The Life and Death of a British Emperor (1998)
7. David Ross Nelson: Britain's Greatest Naval Commander (2005)
8. Dan Crompton A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: The World's Oldest Joke Book (2010)
9. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Choices of One (2012)
10. Peter Haining A Brief History of Cults: Bizarre Rituals and Murderous Practices Revealed (1999)
11. Drew Karpyshyn Star Wars: The Old Republic - Annihilation
12. Shaun Porter Barbaric Methods of Ancient Execution

While an interesting and at times horrific (as well as free) read - don't think I would wish the Blood Eagle or scaphism on my worst enemy, this does suffer from being a short e-book.

On top of proper referencing, there is so much room for expansion on the reasoning behind some of these methods beyond the inflicting of maximum pain and drawing out suffering - rapidity, religious, cultural etc. As morbid as it sounds, it would also benefit from some illustration, particularly of the infernal machines - guillotine, rack and the like - that it describes.

To my mind, this is really a plan of a good book that should lose the idea of trying to rank the execution methods and just present them for what they all are - a collection of horrific ways to end a person's life, either effectively simple or elaborately brutal, which makes you think that there really was a job for psychopaths in bygone eras.

Currently Reading

1. Peter Heather Empires and Barbarians: Migration, Development and the Birth of Europe (2009)
2. Chester G. Starr The Emergence of Rome as Ruler of the Western World (1953)

 

[Danger Burger]

Don't know how I've wound up putting everything up in pairs but here goes.

1. Bret Hart autobiography - ★★★
2. Legend - David Gemell (Drenai #1) - ★★★★
3. Rules of Attraction - Bret Easton Ellis - ★★★★★
4. One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kesey - ★★★★★
5. Neuromancer - William Gibson - ★★★★
6. The Gunslinger - Stephen King - ★★★★
7. The Illustrated Man - Ray Bradbury - ★★★
8. Watchmen - Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons - ★★★★★
9. At Swim-Two-Birds - Flann O Brian - ★★★
10. The Hardcore Truth - Bob "Harcore" Holly - ★★★★

I picked up copy of At Swim-Two-Birds at a pals house, the author came recommended to me from a guy reading Moby Dick on a bus a few years ago. Its a tough tale to chew through. The book is one of those complex meta-fictional kind of whatsits, with a book within a book, within a book. I'm up for a laugh and a challenge most times, but this one didn't sit well. The outermost tale was great, set in Ireland (which usually annoys me) and an absolute laugh. The other two inner stories were a little too much. There were highlights, an some of the writing was excellent, but over all it felt unnecessarily highfalutin. Wouldn't read it again, but might try something else by the author.

Now down to the real business, The Hardcore Truth. As we all know, Bob Holly didn't reach any great heights in the business, but with 15 years in the WWE locker room, he's got some stories. What's nice about this book is that it actually comes across sounding pretty genuine; Bret wasn't so lucky in his writing. The tale is good, it even has a happy ending that took me by suprise.

Enough of that crap though. Bob's book is great for insights that don't seem as driven by hatred as some of the other guys. His opinions of the other guys is one of the most interesting aspects going. While Bret may have shit on everything and everyone but him self, Bob's assessments seem fair and square. He loves Triple H's in ring work, but calls him a snivelling brown-noser... At the same time, he talks about Triple H taking the entire crew to the Zoo, all expenses paid. He's one of the few that seems to have a huge deal of respect for Vince and openly discusses why. He ranks the tough guys (Blackman, Bradshaw and Angle) and outs the cowards (Nash.... Mostly Nash).

Not the most well written book out there, but its honesty and detail make it more than worth it. Two thumbs up.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next on the go is The Big Sleep, by Ramond Chandler. Detective Noir at its supposed finest, well, I guess we'll see about that.

 

[Danger Burger]

While an interesting and at times horrific (as well as free) read - don't think I would wish the Blood Eagle or scaphism on my worst enemy, this does suffer from being a short e-book.

On top of proper referencing, there is so much room for expansion on the reasoning behind some of these methods beyond the inflicting of maximum pain and drawing out suffering - rapidity, religious, cultural etc. As morbid as it sounds, it would also benefit from some illustration, particularly of the infernal machines - guillotine, rack and the like - that it describes.

Was reading up on some old school torture myself recently, though I never came across that Blood Eagle, absolutely horrific. One that stood out for me was the Brazen Bull, from Greece, whose inventor had it tested out on him. Poor fella.

Lemme dig up where I was looking... Came with illustrations!

Edit: Here you go!
Horrors of History I
Horrors of History II

Same guy did a little on Mengele and Unit 731, I might as well link for the benefit of those interested.

Mengele
WWII Japan, Unit 731

 

[Барбоса]

Films

First Viewing

1. Eastern Promises
2. Lust, Caution
3. Taxi Driver
4. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
5. Valhalla Rising
6. Django Unchained
7. Contraband
8. Zoolander
9. Centurion
10. The Eagle
11. Super
12. X-Men: First Class

Had had this on DVD for far too long before finally watching it. I was a bit worried that it would be a complete disconnect/reboot from the previous movies but I thoroughly enjoyed it and how it tied in with the original trilogy, with plenty of nods to the comics as well.

I thought that Mystique was under-used and her close relationship with Xavier was out of character compared to her previous portrayal. I thought that she might have somehow been mind-wiped much like Moira to explain that discrepancy. Maybe that will happen in DOFP.

Wolverine's cameo was great.

Repeat Viewing

1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher

Books

Read

1. James Bowder (ed.) Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (2012)
2. Paul S. Kemp Star Wars: Riptide (2011)
3. James E. Fraser The Roman Conquest of Scotland: The Battle of Mons Graupius AD84 (2008)
4. Aaron Allston Star Wars: X-Wing #10 - Mercy Kill
5. Chester G. Starr The Influence of Sea Power on Ancient History (1989)
6. Robert Harvey Clive: The Life and Death of a British Emperor (1998)
7. David Ross Nelson: Britain's Greatest Naval Commander (2005)
8. Dan Crompton A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: The World's Oldest Joke Book (2010)
9. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Choices of One (2012)
10. Peter Haining A Brief History of Cults: Bizarre Rituals and Murderous Practices Revealed (1999)
11. Drew Karpyshyn Star Wars: The Old Republic - Annihilation
12. Shaun Porter Barbaric Methods of Ancient Execution


Currently Reading

1. Peter Heather Empires and Barbarians: Migration, Development and the Birth of Europe (2009)
2. Chester G. Starr The Emergence of Rome as Ruler of the Western World (1953)

 

[Uncle Sam]

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is good.

 

[Барбоса]

Films

First Viewing

1. Eastern Promises
2. Lust, Caution
3. Taxi Driver
4. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
5. Valhalla Rising
6. Django Unchained
7. Contraband
8. Zoolander
9. Centurion
10. The Eagle
11. Super
12. X-Men: First Class


Repeat Viewing

1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher

Books

Read

1. James Bowder (ed.) Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (2012)
2. Paul S. Kemp Star Wars: Riptide (2011)
3. James E. Fraser The Roman Conquest of Scotland: The Battle of Mons Graupius AD84 (2008)
4. Aaron Allston Star Wars: X-Wing #10 - Mercy Kill
5. Chester G. Starr The Influence of Sea Power on Ancient History (1989)
6. Robert Harvey Clive: The Life and Death of a British Emperor (1998)
7. David Ross Nelson: Britain's Greatest Naval Commander (2005)
8. Dan Crompton A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: The World's Oldest Joke Book (2010)
9. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Choices of One (2012)
10. Peter Haining A Brief History of Cults: Bizarre Rituals and Murderous Practices Revealed (1999)
11. Drew Karpyshyn Star Wars: The Old Republic - Annihilation
12. Shaun Porter Barbaric Methods of Ancient Execution
13. Chester G. Starr The Emergence of Rome as Ruler of the Western World (1953)

This is an old, short introduction to the Roman world of 753BCE-180CE that is part of a series on the progression of western civilisation. While there was nothing new in this for me, I can say that it was not a waste as Starr gives a different slant on certain events than I am accustomed to - he picks Sulla ahead of Marius in importance and highlights Seneca (who is certainly worthy of it) over numerous other first century figures.

While it could do with a bit of an update and bibliography/footnotes/further reading sections in order to completely fill the spot it is aiming for in introductory works, this is well worth a read. Starr is his usual concise but still engaging read and was able to spark some interest/ideas in me, which is no mean feat.

Currently Reading

1. Peter Heather Empires and Barbarians: Migration, Development and the Birth of Europe (2009)
2. Patrick Bishop Target Tirpitz: X-Craft, Agents and Dambusters - The Epic Quest to Destroy Hitler's Mightiest Warship (2012)

 

[Danger Burger]

1. Bret Hart autobiography - ★★★
2. Legend - David Gemell (Drenai #1) - ★★★★
3. Rules of Attraction - Bret Easton Ellis - ★★★★★
4. One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kesey - ★★★★★
5. Neuromancer - William Gibson - ★★★★
6. The Gunslinger - Stephen King - ★★★★
7. The Illustrated Man - Ray Bradbury - ★★★
8. Watchmen - Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons - ★★★★★
9. At Swim-Two-Birds - Flann O Brian - ★★★
10. The Hardcore Truth - Bob "Harcore" Holly - ★★★★
11. The Big Sleep - Raymond Chandler - ★★★★

Just finished this one off this morning. Enjoy it quite a bit. The style felt a little 'clichéd', but I guess that's to be expected when you are the most influential writer in a genre. Not that that's a bad thing of course; the book delivered exactly what I was going in for. The plot was good, all worked out in the end as any good detective story should. Marlowe was a cool cat, maybe even cooler than the Marlo in The Wire. Would recommend to others interested in the genre anyway... I'll most likely pick up the next in the series somewhere down the road.

Next up is the third book in the Arturo Bandini series by John Fante. I've read the first and loved it; and this guy is the key inspiration for Charles Bukowski who I'm also a big fan of. Supposed Bukowski said "either you adore him or you've never heard of him.", but I can't find a source on that. Should be fun.

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is good.

Reading the first? Great series. Hoping to pick up that guys sci-fi detective series soon. Dirk Gently or something.

 

[Барбоса]

Films

First Viewing

Spoiler

1. Eastern Promises
2. Lust, Caution
3. Taxi Driver
4. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
5. Valhalla Rising
6. Django Unchained
7. Contraband
8. Zoolander
9. Centurion
10. The Eagle
11. Super
12. X-Men: First Class

13. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Enjoyed this, especially Oldman's acting, editing, shooting perspectives and soundtrack to produce a low-tech 70s spy drama. However, part of me felt that if anything, it was too short even at 122mins. The last act was a little straightforward for a spy drama and actually there was little in the way of peril.

It definitely came off as a part of an extended story, a story involving Karla that I would really like to see the culmination of. A sitdown between Smiley and Karla in the mould of their meeting in Delhi and Smiley's reliving of it with Guillam would be excellent.



Repeat Viewing

1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher

Books

Read

Spoiler

1. James Bowder (ed.) Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (2012)
2. Paul S. Kemp Star Wars: Riptide (2011)
3. James E. Fraser The Roman Conquest of Scotland: The Battle of Mons Graupius AD84 (2008)
4. Aaron Allston Star Wars: X-Wing #10 - Mercy Kill
5. Chester G. Starr The Influence of Sea Power on Ancient History (1989)
6. Robert Harvey Clive: The Life and Death of a British Emperor (1998)
7. David Ross Nelson: Britain's Greatest Naval Commander (2005)
8. Dan Crompton A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: The World's Oldest Joke Book (2010)
9. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Choices of One (2012)
10. Peter Haining A Brief History of Cults: Bizarre Rituals and Murderous Practices Revealed (1999)
11. Drew Karpyshyn Star Wars: The Old Republic - Annihilation
12. Shaun Porter Barbaric Methods of Ancient Execution
13. Chester G. Starr The Emergence of Rome as Ruler of the Western World (1953)

Currently Reading

1. Peter Heather Empires and Barbarians: Migration, Development and the Birth of Europe (2009)
2. Patrick Bishop Target Tirpitz: X-Craft, Agents and Dambusters - The Epic Quest to Destroy Hitler's Mightiest Warship (2012)[/QUOTE]

 

[JGlass]

Had had this on DVD for far too long before finally watching it. I was a bit worried that it would be a complete disconnect/reboot from the previous movies but I thoroughly enjoyed it and how it tied in with the original trilogy, with plenty of nods to the comics as well.

I thought that Mystique was under-used and her close relationship with Xavier was out of character compared to her previous portrayal. I thought that she might have somehow been mind-wiped much like Moira to explain that discrepancy. Maybe that will happen in DOFP.

Wolverine's cameo was great.

I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that First Class takes place in a different universe from the original trilogy, though I suppose Wolverine's presence in First Class would suggest otherwise. I anticipate DOFP will clear all that up for us.

Wolverine's cameo in First Class was probably the best thing he's done since X2.

 

[Барбоса]

Yeah, there are differences, such as when Xavier loses his ability to walk, but there are also examples to suggest that these are the same people - DOFP involving both periods, the reusing of footage of Magneto being taken from his parents, the same Wolverine, Rebecca Romijn as the 'older' Mystique.

Of course, the involvement of time travel could easily been used as a reason for the creation of an alternate reality.

 

[Барбоса]

Films

First Viewing

Spoiler

1. Eastern Promises
2. Lust, Caution
3. Taxi Driver
4. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
5. Valhalla Rising
6. Django Unchained
7. Contraband
8. Zoolander
9. Centurion
10. The Eagle
11. Super
12. X-Men: First Class
13. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

14. Son of the Mask

This was utter garbage and rather poorly made at times, and yet there was still something of a decent story contained within and the Mask character has long been a favourite of mine. The story was swamped with too much happening all at the same time - baby vs dad, baby vs dog and them all vs Loki. Strip out one of those stories, probably the first one, and you have something more manageable. Actually, I would have had little problem with the entire focus being on baby vs dog for dad's attention.

The graphics ranged from decent to poor, which is probably better than it might have been expected. Went a bit over the top for the final act though but then what can be expected for a cartoon battle against a god.


Repeat Viewing

1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard

A great show with the mix of Irish stereotypes coming up against a straight-laced American with liberal profanity, racism and debauchery.

Books

Read

Spoiler

1. James Bowder (ed.) Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (2012)
2. Paul S. Kemp Star Wars: Riptide (2011)
3. James E. Fraser The Roman Conquest of Scotland: The Battle of Mons Graupius AD84 (2008)
4. Aaron Allston Star Wars: X-Wing #10 - Mercy Kill
5. Chester G. Starr The Influence of Sea Power on Ancient History (1989)
6. Robert Harvey Clive: The Life and Death of a British Emperor (1998)
7. David Ross Nelson: Britain's Greatest Naval Commander (2005)
8. Dan Crompton A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: The World's Oldest Joke Book (2010)
9. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Choices of One (2012)
10. Peter Haining A Brief History of Cults: Bizarre Rituals and Murderous Practices Revealed (1999)
11. Drew Karpyshyn Star Wars: The Old Republic - Annihilation
12. Shaun Porter Barbaric Methods of Ancient Execution
13. Chester G. Starr The Emergence of Rome as Ruler of the Western World (1953)

14. Patrick Bishop Target Tirpitz: X-Craft, Agents and Dambusters - The Epic Quest to Destroy Hitler's Mightiest Warship (2012)

While I usually focus on the battlefield when it comes to my history, there is part of me that loves the almost romantic side to big battleships ploughing across the high seas - the Second World War episodes (without looking to the Pacific) of the Hood, Bismarck, Graf Spee, Scharnhorst, the Campbelltown raid, the Atlantic convoys and the U-boat wolfpacks. All highly dramatic and at times moving and tragic.

While touching on several of these episodes - Bismarck, Campbelltown and Scharnhorst - the main thrust of this book is the attempts by the Royal Navy and RAF to sink the Tirpitz as it skulked around the Norwegian coast threatening the Artic convoys between Iceland and the ports of northern Russia.

The ingenuity and bravery involved in the human torpedo, mini sub and bomber attacks were at times ridiculous as they tried to fulfil the obsession that Churchill had with sinking Hitler's last remain super battleship, even when it had really been superseded in naval warfare by the submarine.

I might have liked a bit more on the Norwegian spy network and less listing of bit part players but this was well written and portrayed the various points of view of those involved. well worth reading if you are interested in naval or Second World War history.

Currently Reading

1. Peter Heather Empires and Barbarians: Migration, Development and the Birth of Europe (2009)
2. K.M. MacPhee Dalriada: Heartland of Scotland (2012)

 

[Diet Soda]

1. American Hustle
2. Last Vegas
3. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
4. The Wolf of Wall Street
5. 12 Years a Slave
6. The LEGO Movie
7. The Monuments Men
8. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
9. Muppets Most Wanted

I'm beginning to lament the lack of intellectually engaging films at my local cinema, but hey, nothing wrong with cheap escapism, right?

 

[Барбоса]

Films

First Viewing

Spoiler

1. Eastern Promises
2. Lust, Caution
3. Taxi Driver
4. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
5. Valhalla Rising
6. Django Unchained
7. Contraband
8. Zoolander
9. Centurion
10. The Eagle
11. Super
12. X-Men: First Class
13. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
14. Son of the Mask

15. Despicable Me

This was great fun. I felt it was lacking a bit more of Gru's turnaround in the middle act - it comes about a little too quickly - but that is a minor complaint.

Unsurprising that the Minions were featured so heavily in the previews and advertising as they are a fantastic creation and a perfect foil for evil Gru. Would not mind seeing them in a series of 5 min cartoons.

The sequel will be my next stop.


Repeat Viewing

1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard

Books

Read

Spoiler

1. James Bowder (ed.) Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (2012)
2. Paul S. Kemp Star Wars: Riptide (2011)
3. James E. Fraser The Roman Conquest of Scotland: The Battle of Mons Graupius AD84 (2008)
4. Aaron Allston Star Wars: X-Wing #10 - Mercy Kill
5. Chester G. Starr The Influence of Sea Power on Ancient History (1989)
6. Robert Harvey Clive: The Life and Death of a British Emperor (1998)
7. David Ross Nelson: Britain's Greatest Naval Commander (2005)
8. Dan Crompton A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: The World's Oldest Joke Book (2010)
9. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Choices of One (2012)
10. Peter Haining A Brief History of Cults: Bizarre Rituals and Murderous Practices Revealed (1999)
11. Drew Karpyshyn Star Wars: The Old Republic - Annihilation
12. Shaun Porter Barbaric Methods of Ancient Execution
13. Chester G. Starr The Emergence of Rome as Ruler of the Western World (1953)
14. Patrick Bishop Target Tirpitz: X-Craft, Agents and Dambusters - The Epic Quest to Destroy Hitler's Mightiest Warship (2012)[/B]

Currently Reading

1. Peter Heather Empires and Barbarians: Migration, Development and the Birth of Europe (2009)
2. K.M. MacPhee Dalriada: Heartland of Scotland (2012)

 

[Danger Burger]

Spoiler

1. Bret Hart autobiography - ★★★
2. Legend - David Gemell (Drenai #1) - ★★★★
3. Rules of Attraction - Bret Easton Ellis - ★★★★★
4. One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kesey - ★★★★★
5. Neuromancer - William Gibson - ★★★★
6. The Gunslinger - Stephen King - ★★★★
7. The Illustrated Man - Ray Bradbury - ★★★
8. Watchmen - Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons - ★★★★★
9. At Swim-Two-Birds - Flann O Brian - ★★★
10. The Hardcore Truth - Bob "Harcore" Holly - ★★★★
11. The Big Sleep - Raymond Chandler - ★★★★

12. Ask The Dust - John Fante - ★★★★

Third in the series and followed suit with the others. Arturo Bandini is a prick, which for no reason makes him a very endearing protagonist (all too relatable, I'm sure). The story is nothing too hectic, just a man blowing cash, writing and chasing women... Its easy to see how this stuff inspired Bukowski. Writing style is brilliant though, extremely neat and organic. If you like what Bukowski does, Fante is well worth tracking down, even if the books are hard to find in the shops. Four stars, would recommend.

13. The Men Who Stare at Goats - Jon Ronson - ★★★

Three stars may not seem like a great rating giving I usually toss out stars more often than... some sort of star generator... but this book was neither planned nor looked forward too. I finished up the last book at my girls parents house and grabbed whatever I could find. That said, this book grew on me. Not big into this sort of non-fiction, or the american military, I was glad to see the book had huge writing, so I could get through it pretty speedily. I basically aims to get to the bottom of the psy-ops wing of the American Military, and interviews some absolute lunatics that hold rank and respect within the military. Cool for what they tried, even if most of it failed originally. Ronson did a good job tossing out the information without making it a tome. If its what you're into, it wouldn't be a bad place to look. Not my thing, but a good effort.

14. The King Beyond The Gates - David Gemell (Drenai #2) - ★★★★

I knew I was going to like this series. This book picks up about 100 years beyond where the first left off. The world has changed, but the same war-torn borders exist. Like the first, the book is a simple study in building an army to face impossible odds. Less humour than its predecessor, but the characters are likeable and a little more than face value stock characters. The battle scenes are brilliant. Two thumbs up on this one. Do read.

Next up is a book called Tietem Brown by our very own Hardcore Legend, Mick Foley. This was Mick's first trip into fiction, and supposedly he did quite well. From what I hear, its a pretty dark coming-of-age story... But I can't imagine there won't be a few laughs in there too. I guess we'll find out.

 

[Uncle Sam]

Infinite Jest is taking somewhere between an age and forever to get through. It's good though.

A Clash of Kings is easier going. Pity there are ASOIAF spoilers all over the internet, on television and once via Nintendo StreetPass. I find it's best to assume everybody dies and then get to be surprised when they don't.

 

[Барбоса]

Films

First Viewing

Spoiler

1. Eastern Promises
2. Lust, Caution
3. Taxi Driver
4. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
5. Valhalla Rising
6. Django Unchained
7. Contraband
8. Zoolander
9. Centurion
10. The Eagle
11. Super
12. X-Men: First Class
13. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
14. Son of the Mask
15. Despicable Me

Repeat Viewing

1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard

5. Octopussy

A decent enough story, particularly with the disgruntled Soviet general, but definitely slap bang in the middle of the Roger Moore 'parody Bond' streak.

Books

Read

Spoiler

1. James Bowder (ed.) Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (2012)
2. Paul S. Kemp Star Wars: Riptide (2011)
3. James E. Fraser The Roman Conquest of Scotland: The Battle of Mons Graupius AD84 (2008)
4. Aaron Allston Star Wars: X-Wing #10 - Mercy Kill
5. Chester G. Starr The Influence of Sea Power on Ancient History (1989)
6. Robert Harvey Clive: The Life and Death of a British Emperor (1998)
7. David Ross Nelson: Britain's Greatest Naval Commander (2005)
8. Dan Crompton A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: The World's Oldest Joke Book (2010)
9. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Choices of One (2012)
10. Peter Haining A Brief History of Cults: Bizarre Rituals and Murderous Practices Revealed (1999)
11. Drew Karpyshyn Star Wars: The Old Republic - Annihilation
12. Shaun Porter Barbaric Methods of Ancient Execution
13. Chester G. Starr The Emergence of Rome as Ruler of the Western World (1953)
14. Patrick Bishop Target Tirpitz: X-Craft, Agents and Dambusters - The Epic Quest to Destroy Hitler's Mightiest Warship (2012)[/B]

15. K.M. MacPhee Dalriada: Heartland of Scotland (2012)

This seems like a short and rather easy read on the surface but actually there is a lot of information contained in the 100+ pages, which is both a help and a hindrance - a help as it tracks the history and importance of the Scottish Dalriadan kingdom over the course of the 1500 years since its foundation but a hindrance in that there is too much information contained in such a short work, leading to numerous lists and tables. Had this been presented in a more all-encompassing style, it might appeal to more readers.

I also was disappointed about the lack of a section on Irish Dalriada, being an Irish Dalriad. I understand that the book is more about the Scottish side but its Gaelic origins and continued interactions, even war, between the two Dalriadan kingdoms should be highlighted more, although I will give the author the benefit of the doubt that the sources are not good enough to present a decent narrative.

Currently Reading

1. Peter Heather Empires and Barbarians: Migration, Development and the Birth of Europe (2009)

 

[Барбоса]

Films

First Viewing

Spoiler

1. Eastern Promises
2. Lust, Caution
3. Taxi Driver
4. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
5. Valhalla Rising
6. Django Unchained
7. Contraband
8. Zoolander
9. Centurion
10. The Eagle
11. Super
12. X-Men: First Class
13. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
14. Son of the Mask
15. Despicable Me

16. Despicable Me 2

Not as good as the first film, probably because of the lack of ambiguity in the Gru character and not enough from the villain, the last battle should have lasted longer - thought Ramsbottom (hehe! Bottom!) could have been the main antagonist instead or at least been the power/brains behind El Macho, although that would have been too much like the bank manager of the original.

Unsurprisingly, the Minions, yellow and blue, remain the standout part of the film.

Repeat Viewing

1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard
5. Octopussy


Books

Read

Spoiler

1. James Bowder (ed.) Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (2012)
2. Paul S. Kemp Star Wars: Riptide (2011)
3. James E. Fraser The Roman Conquest of Scotland: The Battle of Mons Graupius AD84 (2008)
4. Aaron Allston Star Wars: X-Wing #10 - Mercy Kill
5. Chester G. Starr The Influence of Sea Power on Ancient History (1989)
6. Robert Harvey Clive: The Life and Death of a British Emperor (1998)
7. David Ross Nelson: Britain's Greatest Naval Commander (2005)
8. Dan Crompton A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: The World's Oldest Joke Book (2010)
9. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Choices of One (2012)
10. Peter Haining A Brief History of Cults: Bizarre Rituals and Murderous Practices Revealed (1999)
11. Drew Karpyshyn Star Wars: The Old Republic - Annihilation
12. Shaun Porter Barbaric Methods of Ancient Execution
13. Chester G. Starr The Emergence of Rome as Ruler of the Western World (1953)
14. Patrick Bishop Target Tirpitz: X-Craft, Agents and Dambusters - The Epic Quest to Destroy Hitler's Mightiest Warship (2012)
15. K.M. MacPhee Dalriada: Heartland of Scotland (2012)[/B]

16. John Richardson Roman Provincial Administration (2001)

I thought this would be a rather quick and largely fruitless read but actually it proved to be extremely useful in describing its subject and will be taking a place in my proposed reading list for university course, especially as it uses examples from both the Republic and Empire along with good but not over-use of the sources to present a good introduction.


Currently Reading

1. Peter Heather Empires and Barbarians: Migration, Development and the Birth of Europe (2009)

 

[Барбоса]

Films

First Viewing

Spoiler

1. Eastern Promises
2. Lust, Caution
3. Taxi Driver
4. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
5. Valhalla Rising
6. Django Unchained
7. Contraband
8. Zoolander
9. Centurion
10. The Eagle
11. Super
12. X-Men: First Class
13. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
14. Son of the Mask
15. Despicable Me
16. Despicable Me 2

17. Shrek Forever After

Also know as 'the only thing Mike Myers has left.'

This was fine but really just a revisiting of the same 'Shrek feels somehow inadequate' story with the same characters, which means that aside from more ogres and a new baddie, there is nothing new here and most of the jokes are too tired to be funny.

Repeat Viewing

1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard
5. Octopussy


Books

Read

Spoiler

1. James Bowder (ed.) Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (2012)
2. Paul S. Kemp Star Wars: Riptide (2011)
3. James E. Fraser The Roman Conquest of Scotland: The Battle of Mons Graupius AD84 (2008)
4. Aaron Allston Star Wars: X-Wing #10 - Mercy Kill
5. Chester G. Starr The Influence of Sea Power on Ancient History (1989)
6. Robert Harvey Clive: The Life and Death of a British Emperor (1998)
7. David Ross Nelson: Britain's Greatest Naval Commander (2005)
8. Dan Crompton A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: The World's Oldest Joke Book (2010)
9. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Choices of One (2012)
10. Peter Haining A Brief History of Cults: Bizarre Rituals and Murderous Practices Revealed (1999)
11. Drew Karpyshyn Star Wars: The Old Republic - Annihilation
12. Shaun Porter Barbaric Methods of Ancient Execution
13. Chester G. Starr The Emergence of Rome as Ruler of the Western World (1953)
14. Patrick Bishop Target Tirpitz: X-Craft, Agents and Dambusters - The Epic Quest to Destroy Hitler's Mightiest Warship (2012)
15. K.M. MacPhee Dalriada: Heartland of Scotland (2012)
16. John Richardson Roman Provincial Administration (2001)

17. Michael Grant The Collapse and Recovery of the Roman Empire (1999)

I had been looking forward to reading this since I picked it up cheaply not just because the subject of the third century crisis is highly interesting but also because Grant is one of the writers who got me interested in ancient history when I was at school.

Unfortunately, I could not have been more disappointed.

Grant points out that this short work is something of a pastiche in his introduction but for me it is far worse than that. It is a patchwork of overly long quotations that makes it look like it was written, or should that be compiled by a first year undergraduate who has just discovered the wonders of wikipedia and the copy + paste function.

Worse still are some of the choices of source material that Grant makes. I know that the study of the third century is mired in awful primary material but is that any reason to rely on entire entries from the OCD, which is itself already a watered down account? Not only do these choices provide poor information, they make it a chore to read as there is no natural flow jumping from various works and there is no real attempt made to incorporate those quotations. An historian of the quality of Grant should be using his own words to tell the stories that he relies on others for.

I hate to say it about a fellow historian and someone whose past works have got me into the subject but I cannot help but feel that Grant has 'dialed' this in and that not only disappoints but also angers me as there is so little real work put into this, especially in the first half, that it does not belong in the catalogues of what is usually a very good publisher in Routledge and a very good historian.


Currently Reading

1. Peter Heather Empires and Barbarians: Migration, Development and the Birth of Europe (2009)
2. S.A. Lusher Necropolis