ÐаÑбоÑа
doesn't know REAL wrestling...
Not sure if I should reply to much other than say that yes, Brienne's chapters are pretty boring.
Her meeting the Hound and Arya in the show was an excellent change.
Clearing the Backlog...
- Thread starter ÐаÑбоÑа
- Start date
Not sure if I should reply to much other than say that yes, Brienne's chapters are pretty boring.
Her meeting the Hound and Arya in the show was an excellent change.
ÐаÑбоÑа
doesn't know REAL wrestling...
Films
First Viewing
29. Blood of the Vikings
I was hoping for something dark and atmospheric like Black Death but what I got was a triumph, and I use the term quite wrongly, of style over substance - a DVD where the cover looks more expensive than the production.
Also known as Blood of the Beast, this is essentially Beauty and the Beast set in the Viking Age, with awful results.
Make no mistake, this is a B movie of the worst kind. Not so bad its good, so bad it is dire. Woeful 'special' effects, horrifyingly bad editing, a desperate soundtrack, a colour saturation that boggles the mind all filmed in a sunbaked South Africa or England instead of snow covered Scandanavia. At one point, a Viking complains of the cold.
Rather than Black Death, I got something to be avoided like the plague.
Repeat Viewing
Books
Read
27. S.J. Hill and S. Ireland Roman Britain (2013)
This is text that has been recommended for use with the study of the Roman Britain A Level course and if A Levels are getting easier in the UK, then the good folks in the Ancient History/Class Civ departments of OCR and AQA have not been following that brief.
While this work might not be perfect for purpose, it does highlight something that I already knew about the Ancient History/Class Civ courses - they are far harder than they were when I was doing them at the turn of the millennium. There is far more interaction with a variety of sources, written and physical, and expectation that you know something far more intricate and not necessarily wrapped up all neatly in a campaign narrative.
This is not the first time that I have been struck by how more intricate such courses have become. Only two years after I moved on to university, my old school teacher asked me for help with the new course he had had to start teaching. With it not being my area - cultural rather than military/political, I took it to my university professor and he proclaimed that some of the exam questions asked of A Level students he would not expect his third year university students to answer under exam conditions.
Still though, this is a nice read for an understanding of parts of Roman Britain - conquest, Romanisation, religion, administration - with a good selection of maps/figures of various town, city and garrison lay outs, the positioning of the walls of Hadrian and Antoninus and the development of the British provinces over the course of the four hundred years of Roman control.
Currently Reading
1. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Scoundrels (2013)
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
13. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
14. Son of the Mask
15. Despicable Me
16. Despicable Me 2
17. Shrek Forever After
18. In the Electric Mist
19. The Other Guys
20. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
21. Thor: The Dark World
22. The Lego Movie
23. GI JOE: Retaliation
24. To End All War
25. Iron Man 3
26. American Hustle
27. Gravity
28. We're the Millers
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
18. In the Electric Mist
19. The Other Guys
20. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
21. Thor: The Dark World
22. The Lego Movie
23. GI JOE: Retaliation
24. To End All War
25. Iron Man 3
26. American Hustle
27. Gravity
28. We're the Millers
29. Blood of the Vikings
I was hoping for something dark and atmospheric like Black Death but what I got was a triumph, and I use the term quite wrongly, of style over substance - a DVD where the cover looks more expensive than the production.
Also known as Blood of the Beast, this is essentially Beauty and the Beast set in the Viking Age, with awful results.
Make no mistake, this is a B movie of the worst kind. Not so bad its good, so bad it is dire. Woeful 'special' effects, horrifyingly bad editing, a desperate soundtrack, a colour saturation that boggles the mind all filmed in a sunbaked South Africa or England instead of snow covered Scandanavia. At one point, a Viking complains of the cold.
Rather than Black Death, I got something to be avoided like the plague.
Repeat Viewing
1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard
5. Octopussy
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard
5. Octopussy
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)
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)
18. S.A.Lusher The Necropolis Trilogy (2014)
19. David Shotter Tiberius Caesar (2004)
20. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Thunderbirds (2000)
21. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Captain Scarlet (2001)
22. Simon B. Jones The Battles Are The Best Bits
23. Tony Perrottet Napoleon's Privates: 2500 Years of History Unzipped (2008)
24. Peter Blake and Paul Blezard The Arcadian Cipher (2000)25. Giles Milton Samurai William: the Adventurer who Unlocked Japan (2003)
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)
18. S.A.Lusher The Necropolis Trilogy (2014)
19. David Shotter Tiberius Caesar (2004)
20. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Thunderbirds (2000)
21. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Captain Scarlet (2001)
22. Simon B. Jones The Battles Are The Best Bits
23. Tony Perrottet Napoleon's Privates: 2500 Years of History Unzipped (2008)
24. Peter Blake and Paul Blezard The Arcadian Cipher (2000)25. Giles Milton Samurai William: the Adventurer who Unlocked Japan (2003)
27. S.J. Hill and S. Ireland Roman Britain (2013)
This is text that has been recommended for use with the study of the Roman Britain A Level course and if A Levels are getting easier in the UK, then the good folks in the Ancient History/Class Civ departments of OCR and AQA have not been following that brief.
While this work might not be perfect for purpose, it does highlight something that I already knew about the Ancient History/Class Civ courses - they are far harder than they were when I was doing them at the turn of the millennium. There is far more interaction with a variety of sources, written and physical, and expectation that you know something far more intricate and not necessarily wrapped up all neatly in a campaign narrative.
This is not the first time that I have been struck by how more intricate such courses have become. Only two years after I moved on to university, my old school teacher asked me for help with the new course he had had to start teaching. With it not being my area - cultural rather than military/political, I took it to my university professor and he proclaimed that some of the exam questions asked of A Level students he would not expect his third year university students to answer under exam conditions.
Still though, this is a nice read for an understanding of parts of Roman Britain - conquest, Romanisation, religion, administration - with a good selection of maps/figures of various town, city and garrison lay outs, the positioning of the walls of Hadrian and Antoninus and the development of the British provinces over the course of the four hundred years of Roman control.
Currently Reading
1. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Scoundrels (2013)
Danger Burger
Thread Killer
Haven't been round these parts in a while, but thankfully I got a job and haven't been reading too much outside of it.
15. Tietem Brown - Mick Foley - ★★★★
I could say this book took me by surprise, which it did, but it shouldn't have. Mick Foley has never disappointed me in storytelling before and here is no exception. The book is beautifully done. It has heart, guts, cheap pops... the works. It's a little too enfused with Foleyisms, but the story is powerful and engrossing, and plenty dark at times. I would asy more, but I read this months ago. I do recommend it, however. Two thumbs up, and four whole stars.
16. The Crying of Lot 49 - Thomas Pynchon - ★★★★
Unlike Gravity's Rainbow, this novel took a little bit for it to truly grasp me. The opening was slow and not really about anything. I was still mostly confused as to what the title of the book meant. In the span of two or three pages though, I was maddeningly hooked. Like when you smell a good twist coming in a movie, or you watch Memento for a second time. When I finally figured out where the mystery of the book lay (which I don't think I should have struggled with in the first place), I was re-invigorated and flew through the rest of the book. A few points dropped pace and pulled the rug from under me, but all in all the book was excellent and well worth the awful price
age ratio it came at. Another strong recommendation.
17. Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets - David Simon - ★★★★★
My first foray into the despicable 'True Crime' section was a real treat. I normally avoid the genre for its glorification of crimes and criminals, but I knew from watching The Wire (a David Simon creation) that this would be my kind of balancing act. True stories are always interesting, especially this well documented and presented, but man was it ever depressing. A whole lot of murdering in this one. More than its recollection of crimes though, the book really stood out in its presentation of the cops, the 'detective rules' and the way it almost read like a philosophy of criminal investigation. Very much so looking forward to The Corner, too, which sits optimistically near the top of my 'to read' heap. I got my job as an editor just as I picked this one up, and it took forever to read. Its a big book anyway, but I must have spent a month and a half on it, if not more.
18. High Fidelity - Nick Hornby - ★★★★
I needed this one after Homicide. While it wasn't exactly the cheeriest of novels (a recounting of a man's top-five, all-time break-ups) the tone was just right: sarcastic, cynical, and hilariously self-aware. While I wasn't in stitches at any point, it was as funny as, and a little more poignant than, your usual Seinfeld joke. With sexism filling my facebook feed lately, I was glad to see how fair the book was, or at least how aware the book was of its own slant, that I could safely put it out there that I was reading it without someone throwing a huff. I have to say though, after seeing John Cusack play this role several times, I was taken aback to see how British the book was. Being a complete snob when it comes to music (and a gleeful list-maker), I really related to the main character and the troubles he faced. Anyway, nobody cares what I think so I feel I've written enough on this one. Read it, at the very least, before you pick up About a Boy.
Fuck me, that took ages. What a waste of time.
Anyway, I've moved on to 1984 now, the pinnacle of dystopia and all that, and so far its going pretty good. Likely it will take another week or two, which is head wrecking, but I've a nice stack to choose from in the future with none of that awful book-shopping to do.
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 - ★★★★
13. The Men Who Stare at Goats - Jon Ronson - ★★★
14. The King Beyond The Gates - David Gemell (Drenai #2) - ★★★★
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 - ★★★★
13. The Men Who Stare at Goats - Jon Ronson - ★★★
14. The King Beyond The Gates - David Gemell (Drenai #2) - ★★★★
15. Tietem Brown - Mick Foley - ★★★★
I could say this book took me by surprise, which it did, but it shouldn't have. Mick Foley has never disappointed me in storytelling before and here is no exception. The book is beautifully done. It has heart, guts, cheap pops... the works. It's a little too enfused with Foleyisms, but the story is powerful and engrossing, and plenty dark at times. I would asy more, but I read this months ago. I do recommend it, however. Two thumbs up, and four whole stars.
16. The Crying of Lot 49 - Thomas Pynchon - ★★★★
Unlike Gravity's Rainbow, this novel took a little bit for it to truly grasp me. The opening was slow and not really about anything. I was still mostly confused as to what the title of the book meant. In the span of two or three pages though, I was maddeningly hooked. Like when you smell a good twist coming in a movie, or you watch Memento for a second time. When I finally figured out where the mystery of the book lay (which I don't think I should have struggled with in the first place), I was re-invigorated and flew through the rest of the book. A few points dropped pace and pulled the rug from under me, but all in all the book was excellent and well worth the awful price
age ratio it came at. Another strong recommendation. 17. Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets - David Simon - ★★★★★
My first foray into the despicable 'True Crime' section was a real treat. I normally avoid the genre for its glorification of crimes and criminals, but I knew from watching The Wire (a David Simon creation) that this would be my kind of balancing act. True stories are always interesting, especially this well documented and presented, but man was it ever depressing. A whole lot of murdering in this one. More than its recollection of crimes though, the book really stood out in its presentation of the cops, the 'detective rules' and the way it almost read like a philosophy of criminal investigation. Very much so looking forward to The Corner, too, which sits optimistically near the top of my 'to read' heap. I got my job as an editor just as I picked this one up, and it took forever to read. Its a big book anyway, but I must have spent a month and a half on it, if not more.
18. High Fidelity - Nick Hornby - ★★★★
I needed this one after Homicide. While it wasn't exactly the cheeriest of novels (a recounting of a man's top-five, all-time break-ups) the tone was just right: sarcastic, cynical, and hilariously self-aware. While I wasn't in stitches at any point, it was as funny as, and a little more poignant than, your usual Seinfeld joke. With sexism filling my facebook feed lately, I was glad to see how fair the book was, or at least how aware the book was of its own slant, that I could safely put it out there that I was reading it without someone throwing a huff. I have to say though, after seeing John Cusack play this role several times, I was taken aback to see how British the book was. Being a complete snob when it comes to music (and a gleeful list-maker), I really related to the main character and the troubles he faced. Anyway, nobody cares what I think so I feel I've written enough on this one. Read it, at the very least, before you pick up About a Boy.
Fuck me, that took ages. What a waste of time.
Anyway, I've moved on to 1984 now, the pinnacle of dystopia and all that, and so far its going pretty good. Likely it will take another week or two, which is head wrecking, but I've a nice stack to choose from in the future with none of that awful book-shopping to do.
ÐаÑбоÑа
doesn't know REAL wrestling...
Films
First Viewing
30. Zombieland
I am not usually a fan of zombie movies - they are all a much of a muchness story wise - so luckily this focuses less on the zombies, as more modern examples do, and more on the people involved.
At first, I was not sure where this story was going - nowhere as it turns out well Pacific Playland, I suppose - but as it progressed, that bothered me less and less as I came to view it as an important part of the story. I mean, where exactly do you go when civilisation collapses? What do you do when there are millions of rampaging cannibals out to get you?
Columbus' list was a nice touch, although I would have added a rule on not travelling/looking around in the dark which for a film that prides itself on poking fun at the mistakes zombie apocalypse survivors make was a bit of a mistake - all that was needed to make it okay though would have been for ne of the characters or Columbus as the narrator to comment on it - "All these rules and we still fuck about in the dark."
Still, I enjoyed it for what it was - a somehow easy going, amusing road movie set against the most horrifying of circumstances.
Plus it always helps to have Emma Stone. Oh, and Bill Murray for different reasons.
Repeat Viewing
Books
Read
Currently Reading
1. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Scoundrels (2013)
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
13. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
14. Son of the Mask
15. Despicable Me
16. Despicable Me 2
17. Shrek Forever After
18. In the Electric Mist
19. The Other Guys
20. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
21. Thor: The Dark World
22. The Lego Movie
23. GI JOE: Retaliation
24. To End All War
25. Iron Man 3
26. American Hustle
27. Gravity
28. We're the Millers
29. Blood of the Vikings
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
18. In the Electric Mist
19. The Other Guys
20. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
21. Thor: The Dark World
22. The Lego Movie
23. GI JOE: Retaliation
24. To End All War
25. Iron Man 3
26. American Hustle
27. Gravity
28. We're the Millers
29. Blood of the Vikings
30. Zombieland
I am not usually a fan of zombie movies - they are all a much of a muchness story wise - so luckily this focuses less on the zombies, as more modern examples do, and more on the people involved.
At first, I was not sure where this story was going - nowhere as it turns out well Pacific Playland, I suppose - but as it progressed, that bothered me less and less as I came to view it as an important part of the story. I mean, where exactly do you go when civilisation collapses? What do you do when there are millions of rampaging cannibals out to get you?
Columbus' list was a nice touch, although I would have added a rule on not travelling/looking around in the dark which for a film that prides itself on poking fun at the mistakes zombie apocalypse survivors make was a bit of a mistake - all that was needed to make it okay though would have been for ne of the characters or Columbus as the narrator to comment on it - "All these rules and we still fuck about in the dark."
Still, I enjoyed it for what it was - a somehow easy going, amusing road movie set against the most horrifying of circumstances.
Plus it always helps to have Emma Stone. Oh, and Bill Murray for different reasons.
Repeat Viewing
1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard
5. Octopussy
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard
5. Octopussy
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)
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)
18. S.A.Lusher The Necropolis Trilogy (2014)
19. David Shotter Tiberius Caesar (2004)
20. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Thunderbirds (2000)
21. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Captain Scarlet (2001)
22. Simon B. Jones The Battles Are The Best Bits
23. Tony Perrottet Napoleon's Privates: 2500 Years of History Unzipped (2008)
24. Peter Blake and Paul Blezard The Arcadian Cipher (2000)25. Giles Milton Samurai William: the Adventurer who Unlocked Japan (2003)
27. S.J. Hill and S. Ireland Roman Britain (2013)
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)
18. S.A.Lusher The Necropolis Trilogy (2014)
19. David Shotter Tiberius Caesar (2004)
20. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Thunderbirds (2000)
21. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Captain Scarlet (2001)
22. Simon B. Jones The Battles Are The Best Bits
23. Tony Perrottet Napoleon's Privates: 2500 Years of History Unzipped (2008)
24. Peter Blake and Paul Blezard The Arcadian Cipher (2000)25. Giles Milton Samurai William: the Adventurer who Unlocked Japan (2003)
27. S.J. Hill and S. Ireland Roman Britain (2013)
Currently Reading
1. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Scoundrels (2013)
ÐаÑбоÑа
doesn't know REAL wrestling...
No, you didn't so I will not repeat it.
ÐаÑбоÑа
doesn't know REAL wrestling...
Its just nowhere near as funny as it thinks it is.
Dowdsy McDowds
Sally was here
Funnier than Hot Fuzz though but not as good as Spaced.
Fair?
Fair?
ÐаÑбоÑа
doesn't know REAL wrestling...
Slightly better than Hot Fuzz.
I have seen virtually none of Spaced.
I have seen virtually none of Spaced.
ÐаÑбоÑа
doesn't know REAL wrestling...
Yeah, I would imagine that Spaced would seem somewhat uninspired now given that nerd culture is so firmly established in the mainstream.
Dowdsy McDowds
Sally was here
Yeh that's true to an extent but the general idea of twenty-somethings so engrossed by pop-culture that they frequently reference it in everyday situations is still fairly accurate - there are just MORE references now. I think the dislike of Episode 1 will be timeless though.
Also, the mimed gun-fight scene is still very cool and funny.
Dowdsy McDowds
Sally was here
One of the best quotes of the show. For some reason I had Mike's "You can't drink a pint of Bovril" stuck in my head the other day.
Oh and well done on finding your name again.
Oh and well done on finding your name again.
ÐаÑбоÑа
doesn't know REAL wrestling...
Films
First Viewing
Repeat Viewing
Books
Read
28. T.D. Barnes Athanasius and Constantius: Theology and Politics in the Constantinian Empire (1993)
This is one of these books that I have read all the way through in the course of my research/writing on Constantius II - while it is a tremendous academic work by one of the elite academics, not even a nerd like me would read the likes of this for fun.
Still, it is a thoroughly interesting account of the mess of early Roman Christianity. We think we are bad today with the differences (or lack of) between major religions and denominations but the mid-fourth century was truly dire. The minutiae in the arguments on the relationship between Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit and the number of councils called to discuss it would make your head spin. To make matters worse, the terms used to describe these different parties are horrifically similar - at one stage the difference between the two is a single letter!
As to the main character in this drama, Athanasius, I am not sure that there has ever been a luckier man when it comes to evading the repeated condemnations of an emperor. In his opposition to Arianism - which maintained that because the Son of God had to be created He was therefore inferior to God the Father, who had always existed - civil wars, barbarian raids, Persian invasions, fraternal strife, papal interference, pagan Renaissance, local support all conspired to see Athanasius returned to his bishopric over the course of nearly 50 years.
This might not be the book to choose if you want to find out about fourth century Christianity but that should not diminish Barnes' achievement here. His appendix on the itineraries of the emperors between 337 and 361 has been worth the purchase for me alone.
Currently Reading
1. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Scoundrels (2013)
2. Peter Brown Through the Eye of a Needle: Wealth, the Fall of Rome, and the Making of Christianity in the West, 350-550AD (2012)
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
13. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
14. Son of the Mask
15. Despicable Me
16. Despicable Me 2
17. Shrek Forever After
18. In the Electric Mist
19. The Other Guys
20. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
21. Thor: The Dark World
22. The Lego Movie
23. GI JOE: Retaliation
24. To End All War
25. Iron Man 3
26. American Hustle
27. Gravity
28. We're the Millers
29. Blood of the Vikings
30. Zombieland
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
18. In the Electric Mist
19. The Other Guys
20. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
21. Thor: The Dark World
22. The Lego Movie
23. GI JOE: Retaliation
24. To End All War
25. Iron Man 3
26. American Hustle
27. Gravity
28. We're the Millers
29. Blood of the Vikings
30. Zombieland
Repeat Viewing
1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard
5. Octopussy
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard
5. Octopussy
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)
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)
18. S.A.Lusher The Necropolis Trilogy (2014)
19. David Shotter Tiberius Caesar (2004)
20. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Thunderbirds (2000)
21. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Captain Scarlet (2001)
22. Simon B. Jones The Battles Are The Best Bits
23. Tony Perrottet Napoleon's Privates: 2500 Years of History Unzipped (2008)
24. Peter Blake and Paul Blezard The Arcadian Cipher (2000)25. Giles Milton Samurai William: the Adventurer who Unlocked Japan (2003)
27. S.J. Hill and S. Ireland Roman Britain (2013)
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)
18. S.A.Lusher The Necropolis Trilogy (2014)
19. David Shotter Tiberius Caesar (2004)
20. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Thunderbirds (2000)
21. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Captain Scarlet (2001)
22. Simon B. Jones The Battles Are The Best Bits
23. Tony Perrottet Napoleon's Privates: 2500 Years of History Unzipped (2008)
24. Peter Blake and Paul Blezard The Arcadian Cipher (2000)25. Giles Milton Samurai William: the Adventurer who Unlocked Japan (2003)
27. S.J. Hill and S. Ireland Roman Britain (2013)
28. T.D. Barnes Athanasius and Constantius: Theology and Politics in the Constantinian Empire (1993)
This is one of these books that I have read all the way through in the course of my research/writing on Constantius II - while it is a tremendous academic work by one of the elite academics, not even a nerd like me would read the likes of this for fun.
Still, it is a thoroughly interesting account of the mess of early Roman Christianity. We think we are bad today with the differences (or lack of) between major religions and denominations but the mid-fourth century was truly dire. The minutiae in the arguments on the relationship between Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit and the number of councils called to discuss it would make your head spin. To make matters worse, the terms used to describe these different parties are horrifically similar - at one stage the difference between the two is a single letter!
As to the main character in this drama, Athanasius, I am not sure that there has ever been a luckier man when it comes to evading the repeated condemnations of an emperor. In his opposition to Arianism - which maintained that because the Son of God had to be created He was therefore inferior to God the Father, who had always existed - civil wars, barbarian raids, Persian invasions, fraternal strife, papal interference, pagan Renaissance, local support all conspired to see Athanasius returned to his bishopric over the course of nearly 50 years.
This might not be the book to choose if you want to find out about fourth century Christianity but that should not diminish Barnes' achievement here. His appendix on the itineraries of the emperors between 337 and 361 has been worth the purchase for me alone.
Currently Reading
1. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Scoundrels (2013)
2. Peter Brown Through the Eye of a Needle: Wealth, the Fall of Rome, and the Making of Christianity in the West, 350-550AD (2012)
ÐаÑбоÑа
doesn't know REAL wrestling...
Films
First Viewing
Repeat Viewing
Books
Read
29. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Scoundrels (2013)
Upon reading the back cover, I thought Han and Lando had had a falling out since the fiasco of Rebel Dawn, which is why Chewie questions going to see Lando at Bespin in TESB and Han replies "well, that was a long time ago. I'm sure he has forgotten about that." Turns out the writers of the EU have decided, quite rightly, that Lando holding Ylesia over Han would be unrealistic so they added in another flashpoint here.
Also from the movies, Han's comment in ROTJ about how he and Chewie had gotten into more heavily guarded places than the Imperial bunker in Endor is also connected to this story as one of those places is certainly Villachor's compound/vault on Wukkar.
Unfortunately, getting into this vault is another elaborate plot that is at times difficult to follow even with the skills of Zahn with so many unlikely series of events and predictions of actions. Plus I had guessed the identity of the hidden player quite a bit out.
Aside from the names, some terms and the looming shadow of Prince Xizor, the Empire and Lord Vader, this at times has very little to do with Star Wars.
Oh, and who puts a prequel novella Winner Loses Allthat sets up the main story after the main story?
Oh yeah, Star Wars
Currently Reading
1. Peter Brown Through the Eye of a Needle: Wealth, the Fall of Rome, and the Making of Christianity in the West, 350-550AD (2012)
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
13. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
14. Son of the Mask
15. Despicable Me
16. Despicable Me 2
17. Shrek Forever After
18. In the Electric Mist
19. The Other Guys
20. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
21. Thor: The Dark World
22. The Lego Movie
23. GI JOE: Retaliation
24. To End All War
25. Iron Man 3
26. American Hustle
27. Gravity
28. We're the Millers
29. Blood of the Vikings
30. Zombieland
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
18. In the Electric Mist
19. The Other Guys
20. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
21. Thor: The Dark World
22. The Lego Movie
23. GI JOE: Retaliation
24. To End All War
25. Iron Man 3
26. American Hustle
27. Gravity
28. We're the Millers
29. Blood of the Vikings
30. Zombieland
Repeat Viewing
1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard
5. Octopussy
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard
5. Octopussy
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)
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)
18. S.A.Lusher The Necropolis Trilogy (2014)
19. David Shotter Tiberius Caesar (2004)
20. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Thunderbirds (2000)
21. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Captain Scarlet (2001)
22. Simon B. Jones The Battles Are The Best Bits
23. Tony Perrottet Napoleon's Privates: 2500 Years of History Unzipped (2008)
24. Peter Blake and Paul Blezard The Arcadian Cipher (2000)25. Giles Milton Samurai William: the Adventurer who Unlocked Japan (2003)
27. S.J. Hill and S. Ireland Roman Britain (2013)
28. T.D. Barnes Athanasius and Constantius: Theology and Politics in the Constantinian Empire (1993)
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)
18. S.A.Lusher The Necropolis Trilogy (2014)
19. David Shotter Tiberius Caesar (2004)
20. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Thunderbirds (2000)
21. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Captain Scarlet (2001)
22. Simon B. Jones The Battles Are The Best Bits
23. Tony Perrottet Napoleon's Privates: 2500 Years of History Unzipped (2008)
24. Peter Blake and Paul Blezard The Arcadian Cipher (2000)25. Giles Milton Samurai William: the Adventurer who Unlocked Japan (2003)
27. S.J. Hill and S. Ireland Roman Britain (2013)
28. T.D. Barnes Athanasius and Constantius: Theology and Politics in the Constantinian Empire (1993)
29. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Scoundrels (2013)
Upon reading the back cover, I thought Han and Lando had had a falling out since the fiasco of Rebel Dawn, which is why Chewie questions going to see Lando at Bespin in TESB and Han replies "well, that was a long time ago. I'm sure he has forgotten about that." Turns out the writers of the EU have decided, quite rightly, that Lando holding Ylesia over Han would be unrealistic so they added in another flashpoint here.
Also from the movies, Han's comment in ROTJ about how he and Chewie had gotten into more heavily guarded places than the Imperial bunker in Endor is also connected to this story as one of those places is certainly Villachor's compound/vault on Wukkar.
Unfortunately, getting into this vault is another elaborate plot that is at times difficult to follow even with the skills of Zahn with so many unlikely series of events and predictions of actions. Plus I had guessed the identity of the hidden player quite a bit out.
Aside from the names, some terms and the looming shadow of Prince Xizor, the Empire and Lord Vader, this at times has very little to do with Star Wars.
Oh, and who puts a prequel novella Winner Loses Allthat sets up the main story after the main story?
Oh yeah, Star Wars
Currently Reading
1. Peter Brown Through the Eye of a Needle: Wealth, the Fall of Rome, and the Making of Christianity in the West, 350-550AD (2012)
ÐаÑбоÑа
doesn't know REAL wrestling...
Films
First Viewing
31. Fort Apache
I am not much of a Western fan - as with zombie films, I find them all a much of a muchness - so I really only bought this due to having recently been in many of the locations involved - Monument Valley and the Goose Necks, transported from Utah to southern Arizona for this film. You can certainly see the beginnings of John Ford's classic cinematography, which I would expect to get better and more refined in the remaining two parts of the "cavalry trilogy" and The Searchers.
There is a good cast of major and minor characters and actors to play them, aside from Shirley Temple, who cannot act. Henry Fonda does a great job as the dick of a commanding officer, by the book at times but searching for glory at any opportunity but completely unprepared for war with the Indians, while John Wayne is his normal watchable self.
Had the focus been more on the overall story of the negotiations and then battle with Cochise then I think it would have been a far better film - those are the best moments of the film.
That mushy and largely unnecessary love story between Philadelphia Thursday and Mickey O'Rourke Jnr might as well have been removed from the story. Fonda's Colonel Thursday was enough of prick to not need to play off the relationship of his daughter with a lieutenant of lowly birth.
I could also have done without as much of the comedy moments verging on slapstick with the drunken sergeants, although part of me things that such comedic drill masters are much more the norm than the spit-in-your-face screaming of Sergeant Hartman, particularly in the 1860s.
Despite those drawbacks, Fort Apache deserves the praise it gets not just for the aforementioned cinematography but also for being one of the first movies to highlight that Indian Wars were as much if not significantly more the fault of the American government as it was the Indians themselves and the misunderstandings between cultures. This is embodied in Mr. Meeacham and especially Colonel Thursday, who, despite Cochise having defeated repeated attempts to corral him back to the reservation, treats the 'barbaric savage' with disdain and allows that disdain and his need for glory to override decorum, honour and ultimately military common sense.
Repeat Viewing
Books
Read
Currently Reading
1. Peter Brown Through the Eye of a Needle: Wealth, the Fall of Rome, and the Making of Christianity in the West, 350-550AD (2012)
2. Frederick Forsyth The Day of the Jackal (1971)
3. C.J. Kraus and A.J. Woodman The Latin Historians (2006)
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
13. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
14. Son of the Mask
15. Despicable Me
16. Despicable Me 2
17. Shrek Forever After
18. In the Electric Mist
19. The Other Guys
20. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
21. Thor: The Dark World
22. The Lego Movie
23. GI JOE: Retaliation
24. To End All War
25. Iron Man 3
26. American Hustle
27. Gravity
28. We're the Millers
29. Blood of the Vikings
30. Zombieland
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
18. In the Electric Mist
19. The Other Guys
20. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
21. Thor: The Dark World
22. The Lego Movie
23. GI JOE: Retaliation
24. To End All War
25. Iron Man 3
26. American Hustle
27. Gravity
28. We're the Millers
29. Blood of the Vikings
30. Zombieland
31. Fort Apache
I am not much of a Western fan - as with zombie films, I find them all a much of a muchness - so I really only bought this due to having recently been in many of the locations involved - Monument Valley and the Goose Necks, transported from Utah to southern Arizona for this film. You can certainly see the beginnings of John Ford's classic cinematography, which I would expect to get better and more refined in the remaining two parts of the "cavalry trilogy" and The Searchers.
There is a good cast of major and minor characters and actors to play them, aside from Shirley Temple, who cannot act. Henry Fonda does a great job as the dick of a commanding officer, by the book at times but searching for glory at any opportunity but completely unprepared for war with the Indians, while John Wayne is his normal watchable self.
Had the focus been more on the overall story of the negotiations and then battle with Cochise then I think it would have been a far better film - those are the best moments of the film.
That mushy and largely unnecessary love story between Philadelphia Thursday and Mickey O'Rourke Jnr might as well have been removed from the story. Fonda's Colonel Thursday was enough of prick to not need to play off the relationship of his daughter with a lieutenant of lowly birth.
I could also have done without as much of the comedy moments verging on slapstick with the drunken sergeants, although part of me things that such comedic drill masters are much more the norm than the spit-in-your-face screaming of Sergeant Hartman, particularly in the 1860s.
Despite those drawbacks, Fort Apache deserves the praise it gets not just for the aforementioned cinematography but also for being one of the first movies to highlight that Indian Wars were as much if not significantly more the fault of the American government as it was the Indians themselves and the misunderstandings between cultures. This is embodied in Mr. Meeacham and especially Colonel Thursday, who, despite Cochise having defeated repeated attempts to corral him back to the reservation, treats the 'barbaric savage' with disdain and allows that disdain and his need for glory to override decorum, honour and ultimately military common sense.
Repeat Viewing
1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard
5. Octopussy
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard
5. Octopussy
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)
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)
18. S.A.Lusher The Necropolis Trilogy (2014)
19. David Shotter Tiberius Caesar (2004)
20. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Thunderbirds (2000)
21. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Captain Scarlet (2001)
22. Simon B. Jones The Battles Are The Best Bits
23. Tony Perrottet Napoleon's Privates: 2500 Years of History Unzipped (2008)
24. Peter Blake and Paul Blezard The Arcadian Cipher (2000)25. Giles Milton Samurai William: the Adventurer who Unlocked Japan (2003)
27. S.J. Hill and S. Ireland Roman Britain (2013)
28. T.D. Barnes Athanasius and Constantius: Theology and Politics in the Constantinian Empire (1993)
29. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Scoundrels (2013)
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)
18. S.A.Lusher The Necropolis Trilogy (2014)
19. David Shotter Tiberius Caesar (2004)
20. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Thunderbirds (2000)
21. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Captain Scarlet (2001)
22. Simon B. Jones The Battles Are The Best Bits
23. Tony Perrottet Napoleon's Privates: 2500 Years of History Unzipped (2008)
24. Peter Blake and Paul Blezard The Arcadian Cipher (2000)25. Giles Milton Samurai William: the Adventurer who Unlocked Japan (2003)
27. S.J. Hill and S. Ireland Roman Britain (2013)
28. T.D. Barnes Athanasius and Constantius: Theology and Politics in the Constantinian Empire (1993)
29. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Scoundrels (2013)
Currently Reading
1. Peter Brown Through the Eye of a Needle: Wealth, the Fall of Rome, and the Making of Christianity in the West, 350-550AD (2012)
2. Frederick Forsyth The Day of the Jackal (1971)
3. C.J. Kraus and A.J. Woodman The Latin Historians (2006)
ÐаÑбоÑа
doesn't know REAL wrestling...
Films
First Viewing
32. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Not much of a western fan This was another of those films that I had seen in bits and pieces over the years but only now having picked up a cheap copy of it did I get to watch it all the way through.
It is beautifully shot with an epic soundtrack, although I felt that the director and editors recognised just how epic it was and then proceeded to use it at every opportunity, which almost became grating by the end of the film.
There are other problems too. Overlooking the poor dubbing, the film is a bit of a bit of a hodge-podge of genres - buddy adventure, heist caper, damning indictment of senseless warfare.
I wanted to see more from Angel Eyes - there is a looong stretch in the middle of the film where he does not appear at all. On top of that, Tuco is ridiculously schizophrenic: one minute is the bumbling oaf seemingly only there for comedic relief and the next he is a rampaging psychotic bent on blood.
Not sure how "good" Blondie was either, particularly his abandoning of Tuco in the desert early on - although that is probably a reflection of the breakdown of mores and what was needed to survive in the Wild West.
Repeat Viewing
Books
Read
30. Frederick Forsyth The Day of the Jackal (1971)
This is a tremendous story and for what was Forsyth's first book is a real triumph; one that would have trouble being produced in this day and age given the access to information. It is set out like a film with its separate acts, each focused on the main characters.
It would also seem to end rather abruptly with no real epilogue about the investigations and trials that took place in the wake of the Jackal's actions or what happened to the likes of the OAS leaders.
At times, I would say that Forsyth gets caught up in his descriptions, giving too much superfluous detail - the meeting of the heads of police forces where Lebel is chosen to lead the hunt for the Jackal being a prime example.
But such problems are in the vast minority and do not detract from what is an excellent read, which even incorporates the encouragement to read more about this de Gaulle period in France; something which is far more associated with non-fiction and history books than fictional spy thrillers.
Currently Reading
1. Peter Brown Through the Eye of a Needle: Wealth, the Fall of Rome, and the Making of Christianity in the West, 350-550AD (2012)
2.C.J. Kraus and A.J. Woodman The Latin Historians (2006)
3. Chris Brown The Second Scottish Wars of Independence 1332-1363 (2002)
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
13. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
14. Son of the Mask
15. Despicable Me
16. Despicable Me 2
17. Shrek Forever After
18. In the Electric Mist
19. The Other Guys
20. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
21. Thor: The Dark World
22. The Lego Movie
23. GI JOE: Retaliation
24. To End All War
25. Iron Man 3
26. American Hustle
27. Gravity
28. We're the Millers
29. Blood of the Vikings
30. Zombieland
31. Fort Apache
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
18. In the Electric Mist
19. The Other Guys
20. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
21. Thor: The Dark World
22. The Lego Movie
23. GI JOE: Retaliation
24. To End All War
25. Iron Man 3
26. American Hustle
27. Gravity
28. We're the Millers
29. Blood of the Vikings
30. Zombieland
31. Fort Apache
32. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Not much of a western fan This was another of those films that I had seen in bits and pieces over the years but only now having picked up a cheap copy of it did I get to watch it all the way through.
It is beautifully shot with an epic soundtrack, although I felt that the director and editors recognised just how epic it was and then proceeded to use it at every opportunity, which almost became grating by the end of the film.
There are other problems too. Overlooking the poor dubbing, the film is a bit of a bit of a hodge-podge of genres - buddy adventure, heist caper, damning indictment of senseless warfare.
I wanted to see more from Angel Eyes - there is a looong stretch in the middle of the film where he does not appear at all. On top of that, Tuco is ridiculously schizophrenic: one minute is the bumbling oaf seemingly only there for comedic relief and the next he is a rampaging psychotic bent on blood.
Not sure how "good" Blondie was either, particularly his abandoning of Tuco in the desert early on - although that is probably a reflection of the breakdown of mores and what was needed to survive in the Wild West.
Repeat Viewing
1. Zulu
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard
5. Octopussy
2. Die Hard With A Vengeance
3. The Punisher
4. The Guard
5. Octopussy
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)
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)
18. S.A.Lusher The Necropolis Trilogy (2014)
19. David Shotter Tiberius Caesar (2004)
20. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Thunderbirds (2000)
21. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Captain Scarlet (2001)
22. Simon B. Jones The Battles Are The Best Bits
23. Tony Perrottet Napoleon's Privates: 2500 Years of History Unzipped (2008)
24. Peter Blake and Paul Blezard The Arcadian Cipher (2000)25. Giles Milton Samurai William: the Adventurer who Unlocked Japan (2003)
27. S.J. Hill and S. Ireland Roman Britain (2013)
28. T.D. Barnes Athanasius and Constantius: Theology and Politics in the Constantinian Empire (1993)
29. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Scoundrels (2013)
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)
18. S.A.Lusher The Necropolis Trilogy (2014)
19. David Shotter Tiberius Caesar (2004)
20. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Thunderbirds (2000)
21. Chris Bentley The Complete Book of Captain Scarlet (2001)
22. Simon B. Jones The Battles Are The Best Bits
23. Tony Perrottet Napoleon's Privates: 2500 Years of History Unzipped (2008)
24. Peter Blake and Paul Blezard The Arcadian Cipher (2000)25. Giles Milton Samurai William: the Adventurer who Unlocked Japan (2003)
27. S.J. Hill and S. Ireland Roman Britain (2013)
28. T.D. Barnes Athanasius and Constantius: Theology and Politics in the Constantinian Empire (1993)
29. Timothy Zahn Star Wars: Scoundrels (2013)
30. Frederick Forsyth The Day of the Jackal (1971)
This is a tremendous story and for what was Forsyth's first book is a real triumph; one that would have trouble being produced in this day and age given the access to information. It is set out like a film with its separate acts, each focused on the main characters.
It would also seem to end rather abruptly with no real epilogue about the investigations and trials that took place in the wake of the Jackal's actions or what happened to the likes of the OAS leaders.
At times, I would say that Forsyth gets caught up in his descriptions, giving too much superfluous detail - the meeting of the heads of police forces where Lebel is chosen to lead the hunt for the Jackal being a prime example.
But such problems are in the vast minority and do not detract from what is an excellent read, which even incorporates the encouragement to read more about this de Gaulle period in France; something which is far more associated with non-fiction and history books than fictional spy thrillers.
Currently Reading
1. Peter Brown Through the Eye of a Needle: Wealth, the Fall of Rome, and the Making of Christianity in the West, 350-550AD (2012)
2.C.J. Kraus and A.J. Woodman The Latin Historians (2006)
3. Chris Brown The Second Scottish Wars of Independence 1332-1363 (2002)
ÐаÑбоÑа
doesn't know REAL wrestling...
How ever they did it, it needed to be dialled back a bit.
I get the same feeling whenever I watch Dr No (From Russia With Love might be a similar culprit). The iconic Bond theme is used at every opportunity.
I get the same feeling whenever I watch Dr No (From Russia With Love might be a similar culprit). The iconic Bond theme is used at every opportunity.