Monday, August 25, 2008

Monday Musings

Current Reading: The Doomsday Book, by Connie Willis

Inspirational Quote: "Sometimes I think it is a great mistake to have matter that can think and feel. It complains so. By the same token, though, I suppose that boulders and mountains and moons could be accused of being a little too phlegmatic." -- Kurt Vonnegut

Stuff that's been on my mind lately:

For some reason, I've been obsessing over the Lord of the Rings. I've re-watched the Peter Jackson movies and I've been playing Battle For Middle Earth II instead of... well, everything else. I'm even thinking of digging out and re-reading my vintage 1980 Unwin editions of the books. Unfortunately, that would involve digging into the recesses of my shed, a prospect that would cause Indiana Jones to hang up his whip and stomp on his hat.

I have a black thumb. I figure the only way I could kill all the dandelions in my yard would be to decide to take care of them. However, I seem to have no problem growing grass and a small bush in my eaves troughs.

Recent economic trends have made it apparent that my retirement plan has become Freedom 95.

My daughter has grown out of her toddler bed. My youngest son wears shoes only a size smaller than mine. My oldest son is developing a non-abstract interest in girls and a disturbing habit of thinking his own thoughts (teenagers... sheesh!). They're growing up and I do not recall them asking permission to do so.

This September 2nd, I'll have been married 19 years. Some people take such a long marriage as evidence that we've figured everything out. Nope. We're just fascinated by things we don't understand (eg: each other).

Friday, August 15, 2008

Book Report: The Last Colony, by John Scalzi

The Last Colony is set in the Old Man's War universe. The Hero of Old Man's War comes out of retirement to lead a colony that the Colonial Union is establishing in defiance of the alien alliance called The Conclave. John Perry must keep his colonists alive not just in the face of armed alien opposition, but against the wishes of the CU, which believes the colony would be more use dead than alive.

Alright, I admit it. I'm a Scalzi fan.
I've read four of his books this year, and it's his voice that keeps me coming back. The Last Colony contains the perfect mix of complex plot, interesting characters and wit.

Ulysses Rating: 4 - I loved this.