Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope, Mark Manson famously another Philosophy book, to challenge you and get you thinking or not, whether you agreeEverything is F*cked: A Book About Hope, Mark Manson famously another Philosophy book, to challenge you and get you thinking or not, whether you agree or disagree it really doesn’t matter Mark gets the life pot stirring and that’s the point, found it hilarious and serious, & on point sometimes, all of this at the same time, slippery as tuna, hmmm...what the....you know...anyway library book....more
The Company by Robert Littell What a massive undertaking 40 years of CIA history, fictional characters combined with real people. This story is full oThe Company by Robert Littell What a massive undertaking 40 years of CIA history, fictional characters combined with real people. This story is full of everything you would expect in a spy novel. Bold face lying, double and triple agents, gadgets, casinos. What is a spy? quoted, A spy: heart of the matter, in our work boldness, daring and audacity must be combined with prudence and dialects. Dialects: Thinking conventionally and systematically & then challenge conventional thinking. You develop a thesis you contradict it with an antithesis then you resolve the contradiction with a synthesis, complicated no. I found I liked the real-life character James Jesus Angleton nicknamed “mother” as no plan got the go ahead unless he said it did, bit of a dick but definitely made stuff happen, and he was such gigantic nosed bloody bloodhound against everybody friend and foe and every and any situation the real deal if there ever was “F#ck the world” kind of a guy, nothing he wouldn’t do to protect CIA interests.
The book covers 5 main incidents from history and follows the careers from 1951 of 4 graduates through CIA training and eventual deployment from 1951 Berlin dealing with the airlift fallout and the wall. 1956 The Hungary uprising that shook to the core communism in the west where adherents left the communist cause in droves. 1960 Failed fiasco with ousting Cuba’s Communist President Fidel Castro at the disastrous Bay of Pigs, 1974 defection and counter intelligence espionage in top levels of governments. 1983 Afghanistan providing important missile technology and arms to fighter's against Russian forces the Taliban/Mujahedeen. 1991 eventual collapse of the Union Soviet Socialist Republic through extreme inefficiencies in the communist model and deep-rooted corruption at all levels.
A quote I liked was Trotski quote prior to the 1917 revolution. You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you....more
The Cardinal of the Kremlin by Tom Clancy. Colonel Mikhail Semyonovich “Misha” 3 time winner of the medal Hero of the Soviet Union during WW2. By the The Cardinal of the Kremlin by Tom Clancy. Colonel Mikhail Semyonovich “Misha” 3 time winner of the medal Hero of the Soviet Union during WW2. By the 60s he had become disillusioned with everything incompetent leaders and wasteful loss of lives. CIA Recruited Misha after the deaths of his wife and 2 sons becoming its most valuable asset in the upper echelons of Soviet power. After a bungled effort to get information regarding USSR Star Wars program the much vaunted anti nuclear balĺistic missile program to shoot down missiles with lasers. Misha captured tortured but unbroken but for how long. Realising this the CIA go with Jack Ryan’s rescue plan. What follows is intrigue and dastardly acts sneaking behind and full on frontal attacks. What I thought were side stories like the Archer cleverly Clancy has intricately interwoven and meshed together several side plots. Battle tactics and best laid plans laid to waste and even believable if or unbelievable technologies were created however some fantastic ideas and possibilities abounds. Anyway a long story but very worthwhile...more
Timeless: Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic by Armand Baltazar, interesting story different times in earths history lumped together in a collisiTimeless: Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic by Armand Baltazar, interesting story different times in earths history lumped together in a collision, basically the story revolves around a father & son, a simple story, mind you it reminded me of being partly like the "River world series of Philip Jose Farmer" but the outstanding difference about this book was it's incredible artwork, all the way through it. I Imagine any sequel would be a long time coming. Enjoyed it immensely. ...more
Stalingrad by Anthony Beevor. Before Hitler’s victory over France the German army were cautious and always planned with a single objective with daringStalingrad by Anthony Beevor. Before Hitler’s victory over France the German army were cautious and always planned with a single objective with daring and pluck, Poland Norway Balkans Greece Tunisia all fine examples of superb German soldiery, methodical logical, single minded in purpose & without doubt or hesitation. By the time of the Invasion of Russia the German army were so super confident and definately dizzy with victory. So dizzy in fact and lucky for the rest of the world Hitler interfered ridiculously the warning signs after their failure at the gates of Moscow was loud and clear. By the time of Stalingrad it was cuckold Hitler the blind husband his Generals the cheating wife. Stalingrad turning point of the war I don’t agree I believe it was invading Russia! Russia has been the graveyard of armies for a 1000 years and probably even longer. After this did I feel cold? Yes. Did I sympathize with the common soldier? Yes. Did I relate to the leaders? Hell no. Has humankind learnt from this battle in regards to not repeat it? Very doubtful. Is there hope for humans? There is always hope. Are Russians experts at city fighting ? Yes without a doubt. Do we realise how much Russia suffered? we have no idea. How tough is the common Russian soldier? In a class of their own and beyond tough. Have I got more questions? Always but not right now....more
What Is the What, Dave Eggers fiction based life of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese child refugee who immigrated to the United States under the Lost What Is the What, Dave Eggers fiction based life of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese child refugee who immigrated to the United States under the Lost Boys of Sudan program, escaping fates of many & luck not becoming a child soldier it's brutal and disheartening with sardonic humor but even in the states he suffers a home invasion and being robbed of everything, while trussed up he reflects back on his early life in Sudan. What I found out what is the what? We have a 40 year war to gain independence from north Sudan which is the early focus of this story of South Sudan that it became the world's newest country in 2011 but wait 2 years and a 6-year civil war with attempted genocidal massacres estimated 400,000 dead & millions of displaced persons. On one side President Salva Kiir of the Dinka tribe against Vice President Reik Machar, of the Nuer tribe, war weary when in 2019 an uncertain peace accord was signed, with faint hope of some sort of lasting peace seems to exist, along with 12000 UN peace keepers. But with oil reserves up for stakes and these recent power struggles to control all. Sudan has only got hope & faith for a formation of a stable peaceful government....more
Ready Player One Ernest Cline, science fiction/puzzle, set in 2044 revolves around Wade a young poor orphan kid with bleak prospects who tells his stoReady Player One Ernest Cline, science fiction/puzzle, set in 2044 revolves around Wade a young poor orphan kid with bleak prospects who tells his story after he's won a dead genius Halliday fortune of 240 billion dollars creator of a fantastic computer generated world the OASIS full off puzzles and challenges, he details his battles with Nolan Sorrento a stereotypical greedy corporate with his army of players some little more than slaves, and a bunch of his buds. "Three hidden keys open three secret gates Wherein the errant will be tested for worthy traits And those with the skill to survive these straits Will reach The End where the prize awaits" it's full of references to a lot of pioneer arcade games from the 80's I played Joust to death so I'm pretty confident I could have gotten that first key yeah man. Movies like Wargames & Monty Pythons Holy Grail were memorable, super immersed wih doing it as dialog verbatim thingy that was nerdville maxhead room bonkers, playing Tempest, Pacman brought back even more memories. At the end of the day this is really just a modern take on willy wonka and the choclate factory. By the way very different from the movie but no detraction from it, just different. Enjoyed it for reminiscing old 80s pop culture full off plot holes but parked my brain in a no parking zone for this one. Goodies goody goody yum yum...now playing here with fire, Is Cline anti corporation anti establishment or just a puzzle fiend, synaptics food to feague your nether regions....more
The whale warriors by Peter Heller certainly Paul Watson and his followers are that warriors. Doing work that is so important, trying to stop the uselThe whale warriors by Peter Heller certainly Paul Watson and his followers are that warriors. Doing work that is so important, trying to stop the useless slaughter of magnificent creatures. It completely blew me away written 10 years ago but the battle still continues check sea shepherd on you tube. Why don't our governments push back harder against the whaling nations its because we trade with them and its worth millions, money and greed always trumps right and correct. I feel humans are on a slippery slope with all our destruction to all enviroments around us we are going to pay for it one way or the other....more
life so various, nefarious and temerarious, pulling faces, fierce grimaces, leaving traces in rocky places, pieces and faeces all over the fleece is tlife so various, nefarious and temerarious, pulling faces, fierce grimaces, leaving traces in rocky places, pieces and faeces all over the fleece is that a yow's shoulder they've left there to moulder stuck up on a boulder? Pg76...more
Imperium by Robert Harris, a work of historical fiction Cicero politician, lawyer, philosopher recounted by his slave Tiro during Rome's last days as Imperium by Robert Harris, a work of historical fiction Cicero politician, lawyer, philosopher recounted by his slave Tiro during Rome's last days as a democratic republic. Cicero who came from a noble family but humble by the standards of the day, follows his ups and downs, a renowned orator involved in the numerous intrigues of Roman politics, and backed by Tirentia his staunchest supporter and his wife. Cicero constantly extolled politicians to return to former times of high morals, honesty, self sacrifice, reverence, this fictional account is told in a crime novel way with all its intrigues and possible traps and tricks, novel ends when he at his lowest point and no way he can head except up. You just have to forget your knowledge of Roman classics to make it suspenseful and enjoyable bit hard I know but not impossible....more
A Time to Die the Kursk Disaster, by Robert Moore. On reflection world headlines focused on some of the crew surviving many days after the incident buA Time to Die the Kursk Disaster, by Robert Moore. On reflection world headlines focused on some of the crew surviving many days after the incident but evidence points to no one surviving the first 24 hours. Heroism shown by the Russian sailors who bravely attempted rescue with outdated equipment, all this set against the complete shambles by Russian officials who tried to cover up their mess. Felt real sorrow for the grieving families and friends that were left behind. Interesting technical details about the Kursk was for myself great, but really using nuclear powered submarines isn't mankind's greatest idea, a technical achievement that needs to be replaced with something that wouldn't cause a huge unprecedented environmental disaster. Robert Moore delivered it all in an easy to follow manner. ...more
The Hunter Killers by Dan Hampton, a good mixture of technical data, history lesson & snippets of heart pounding air combat. The Vietnam air war and iThe Hunter Killers by Dan Hampton, a good mixture of technical data, history lesson & snippets of heart pounding air combat. The Vietnam air war and its struggle with then the new surface to air radar guided anti aircraft Russian missile technology that gave America a bloody nose. Nothing like pressure to think outside the box, the professionalism shown by aircrews under trying circumstances was outstanding as may young pilots lost their lives or spent years being hungry forgotten and forsaken in crude prisons. Young men are driven by glory and honor without realising fear and quick deaths is its constant ghostly companion, old men who hold power exploit this driven in their single belief of world security which involves dominating all the worlds regions totally and forever more. Dan Hampton style is heart pounding gripping engaging like any great fiction story teller but its not its non fiction and it happened.
own 2015 Ascalon published Harper Collins license....more
Mud, Sweat and Tears by Bear Grylls Who dares wins, being scared shitless frequently, way to go Bear, actually learnt his name is Edward, bear is whatMud, Sweat and Tears by Bear Grylls Who dares wins, being scared shitless frequently, way to go Bear, actually learnt his name is Edward, bear is what his older sister called him, wow here I thought he had cool parents, but they were cool. His Dad's mantra love people in your life with your whole heart.
Mount Everest last count has killed 295 mountaineers since 1924, what's amazing he climbed it to get over retiring from the SAS 3 years in, after surviving a broken back from skydiving. He then fell into making TV shows almost by accident and became world famous.
Shucks that's cool. Risky yes, but now with 3 young son's he says he's more careful, take him for his word. Can't wait to see what you get up to next Bear, or what your boys may do in the future, he is the royalty of dangerous activities, would I do any of it probably not, only in my mind yes, completely....more
King Rat by James Clavell. "And in no time at all they were arguing and swearing and no one was listening and each had a very firm opinion and each opKing Rat by James Clavell. "And in no time at all they were arguing and swearing and no one was listening and each had a very firm opinion and each opinion was right". Clavell's debut novel based loosely on his own life spent in Japanese prisoner of war camp Changi, Story centres around 2 fictional characters an American "King" who is a very successful black marketeer, and British RAF pilot Peter Marlowe whose language skills forthrightness endears him to King. Story is basically of these two involved in one ridiculous sometimes hilarious episode after another definately more ridiculous episode, surrounded by other resourceful prisoners hanging out of each others pockets in bands of two's and three's called a unit. woe be tide if you cheated your unit, you were good as dead if you went lone ranger. So sometimes story felt jaded and some brutalities left unsaid guess public weren't yet ready as in later war stories came out. Clavell concentrated on his understanding of of it all. I found my self laughing "what the hell did I just read" I appreciate eating an egg more than ever now. I actually have empathy for Rats. I now question is it really "stealing" or it just being "liberated" I appreciate having an electric stove I'm thankful for having the ability of wearing a shirt. I'm not curious at what rat meat tastes like I feel like ironing my shirt while I'm wearing it. I feel risky. I feel thankful for every moment I'm breathing. Remembering War stories of the men and women involved is important so that we can rail against further war, simplistic but hey what else can we do....more
Worlds Elsewhere: Journeys Around Shakespeare’s Globe by Andrew Dickson
Andrew's self guide to world of Shakespeare’s well 5 counties at least, what foWorlds Elsewhere: Journeys Around Shakespeare’s Globe by Andrew Dickson
Andrew's self guide to world of Shakespeare’s well 5 counties at least, what follows is my quick single sentence on each place visited.
Germany, specialists in keeping SP as close to the original as possible good on them U.S.A competition based SP between cities and towns, areas, troupes where it's seem prestige, dedication & fun are the norm. India, the second most interesting country they have a very, very, loose interpretation of SP where it's just not that unusual to do it and it's just the usual. South Africa, prisoners of Apartheid SP just moves them with emotion in a prison without it, this was the best country Andrew visited and my favorite part. China, if you believe it millions more SP followers than rest of the world put together if you believe it....more
Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier , What can I say that hasn't been said already, pretty much nothing, anyway here's my 2 cents, story follows Inam a dCold Mountain by Charles Frazier , What can I say that hasn't been said already, pretty much nothing, anyway here's my 2 cents, story follows Inam a disillusioned Confederate American civil war soldier who journey's home Odyssey style to his love Ada, Ada who is no Penelope in fact one half of her, Ada is educated and delicate thus absolutely useless in normal life. Inman after years away from home and with very little contact finally deserts the army, this story is a twisted double take on Homer's Odyssey, one disturbing situation of desperation followed by another disturbing situation of even greater desperation. Ada who struggles to look after herself on her dead fathers farm, until Ruby arrives she is the most entertaining part in this story, everywhere else was a dystopian world. Ruby the eye of calmness surrounded by a shit storm hurricane she was absolutely the second half of Penelope's tough practical killer side, anyway story ends in a warped Dante style, well what the frick did you expect it's an anti war story. Tidbits. The Federals -were thick on the ground, lying all about in bloody heaps, bodies disassembled in every style the mind could imagine. A man walking next to Inman looked out upon the scene and said, If I had my way everything north of the Potomac would resemble that right down to the last particular. Inman's only thought looking on the enemy was, Go home. Some of the dead had papers pinned to their clothing to say who they had been, and the rest were just anonymous Tidbits. He rose from where he lay on the ground, and though perplexed as to how she came to be there he longed to hold her and went to do it, but three times as he reached his arms to her she fogged through them, vague and flickery and grey. The fourth time, though, she stood firm and substantial and he held her tight. He said, I've been coming for you on a hard road. I'm never letting you go. Never....more
El la weirdo is back to it...Royal Assassin (Farseer Trilogy, #2) I really liked this second episode, parts with Molly was kind of so, so, bit whiny, El la weirdo is back to it...Royal Assassin (Farseer Trilogy, #2) I really liked this second episode, parts with Molly was kind of so, so, bit whiny, really loved hating Regal and his devious skilled henchmen Justin and Will, real good pain in the proverbial. Who still are the Red ships why do they turn people into raving zombies??? where did the Prince disappear too??, mystery thickens, but hey Nighteyes he just cracked me up, he is so funny. "come gorge red flesh with me master" or when teamwork was required "that's not pack". for a wolf you just got to love him, mustn't forget Burrich grizzled grumpy battle hardened veteran, thrust into command at the Battle of Neat bay, man that was savage. Backgrounds of the characters is building up nicely not too many and not to few. But what the friggin heck with the ending with Fitz what the... hell is he now....? some sort of ghosty slash entity something thingy....ponders, ah well some more feauge for me....more
Denial: Holocaust History on Trial (Paperback) by Deborah E. Lipstadt Currently 16 European countries and Israel where you can be prosecuted and sent Denial: Holocaust History on Trial (Paperback) by Deborah E. Lipstadt Currently 16 European countries and Israel where you can be prosecuted and sent to prison for holocaust Denial, what's incredible that more countries haven't done it already.
Idiots like Irving and his kind spreading hate and stupidity in my humble opinion they need some harsh experience & reality of prison re-education, bunch of f&*%heads. Wtf & Gall of Irving this year giving expensive guided tours of Auschwitz that's just crazy. Anyway book covers Lipstadt trial but her anxiety and sleep deprivation worrying about it all & 6 years of her life mixed up in this mission, just made you feel for her and her supporters. Great book well worth it in the end. ...more
The Crossing, Michael Connelly man this was utter rubbish.. nah jokes what a gripping tense crime thriller that allowed you to come up for air... "I wThe Crossing, Michael Connelly man this was utter rubbish.. nah jokes what a gripping tense crime thriller that allowed you to come up for air... "I would lift up my hat in praise if only I hadn't stamped on it in absolute astonishment" Connelly your a master, just a gripping crime thriller. Embattled retired veteran cop Bosch reluctantly helps his brother a popular defense lawyer Mickey Haller but with questionable and laughable morals who defends suspect Foster a tough reformed ex convict boob head gangster but somehow is accused of a seemingly random brutal murder rape home invasion. At first glance it all appears as an open and shut case, Foster is going to prison, but there's always a but, Bosch eye for tiny details and supremely suspicious mind follows him down a tense track with wild beasts, hidden traps, and an amazing power to piss everybody off along the way, escaping ambushes and ultimately leads to a bloody conclusion to a final showdown with some dirty as baddies who are extremely good at being bad cops. Loved the switch in tempo every now and then one especially with his, walk on egg shells parenting with his teenage daughter totally understand that as I fondly reminiscence while staring blankly into space. Anywho I digress great yarn, loved it, is?? yes it is the crossing is that point in a case where the outcome is a sure thing...well sometimes depends and maybe hmm......more
The General's Daughter by Nelson DeMille Captain Ann Campbell West Point graduate, daughter of General Campbell. One morning, her body is found, nakedThe General's Daughter by Nelson DeMille Captain Ann Campbell West Point graduate, daughter of General Campbell. One morning, her body is found, naked and bound, on the firing range.
Paul Brenner is a the lead investigator and the main character teams up with rape investigator Cynthia Sunhill, who is his ex lover. Brenner soon learns that nearly all the officers at the fort were sexually involved with Captain Cambell.
Anyway a very sad plot, but with so many suspects it kept you on the edge of your seat what an intense whodunit. ` But it all ends in a military fashion fall on your sword type action, but what a pity the 6 criminals from her past got away with rape, wouldn't it be interesting if Paul Brenner tracked them down and Avenged her, seems like he'd had enough of the army white wash, and could have done it with Cynthia's help....more
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