Book Review: Four Came Back

An interesting little book by Martin Caiden that I found in a used paperback book store. Interesting because the book was written just before the Apollo 11 moon landing, but is about an international space station. Mr. Caiden saw the future, 30 years ago!

I added this book to my stack because it sounded so intriguing. Some alien infection/disease/bad space air(?) attacks a mission in space wiping out nearly the entire crew, only a scant four lucky survivors barely make it back alive. How many dies in the devastation in the confined quarters of the space station? 70? 100? More? After reading the book it turned out that the entire crew was only eight! So that was a little disappointing. The back cover had built it up to be a bit more dramatic.

The story starts (as all good short stories start, or so I am told... in the middle). The infection has hit the station. Deaths have occurred. Earth will not allow the crew to return with with unknown space virus which could wipeout the entire population. They are trapped in space. What will the Captian do?

Then Caiden goes into the backstory. Of the mission, the history, and the characters. Every character. And their relationships to each other. Finally after 100 pages we finally get back to a story line. I thought it was a bit much, and didn't care for THAT much backstory.

Based on the title don't think I'm giving anything away by saying that indeed, the crew does figure 'something' out, and four members of the members do successfully return to Earth.

Overall, I would have to say this one was not a classic tale.

Grade: D

McDoogle

Your mission: Sign up with the Cosmonauts to visit the current International Space Station. Look for discrepancies in the kitchen facilities. Missing sets of dinner plates, etc. File a report with NASA when you return.

New Poll for 2009: Your favorite Candy Bar!

What is your favorite Candy Bar? !!!

I compiled a list of some of my favorites (Kit Kat, Snickers, Milky Way, Zagnut, Reese's, Clark) and a few others for variety (Hershey's, Almond Joy, Baby Ruth) for a new poll question.

If you don't see your favorite on the list, like Mars Dark... leave a Comment, and I may add it, if its a popular bar that I didn't think about.

And there's STILL time to vote of your favorite color of Dragon.

So, the next time you're at that vending machine, struggling with all of those cocoa options, remember... 'Life is like a box of chocolates... do you have a creamy center.... or are you nutty goodness???'

McDoogle

Reading Race 2009

For the past few years I've had an annual reading race with my nephew in Michigan. Usually it's a book from the Agaron/Eldest series. But this Christmas, only the hardcopy was available and it was too pricey. So... in looking for alternative options that would interest both me and a teenager on the high school football team, who likes dragon stories... I found 'Furies of Calderon' by Jim Butcher. It wasn't too hard to find since I already enjoy the Dresden series.

'Furies' appears to be an interesting series of Fantasy adventures centering around... 'furies'. Wind, water, ground, wood, etc. entities which can be controlled by the people of Calderon. And... if he enjoys the book. There are already five books in this series, so I could be set for many years.

The race began Monday night, January 19th at 10:30PM. (I get home late on Mondays). This novel weighs in at just over 500 pages. Today is Tuesday, January 27th at 12:55PM, and I am on page 352 (i think).

This story is about a poor sheep herder boy Tavi, who is 15 years old and hasn't come into his fury yet. At 15... maybe he never will. In a land filled with furies and fury masters. Yet Tavi is pulled into a grand battle for the land of Calderon by the powerful furymasters who be. Tavi must use his abilities and wits to survive.

It's been a pretty interesting story so far. But... I have been worried that the themes are are little too, umm, 'grown-up' at times, which I didn't expect or I might not have gone with this series. At least there is nothing explicit in the writing. So if you are considering this novel for your nephew... be aware.

Will I win this year? I don't think so. He is usually done with his book by the first week-end. But I haven't heard anything yet so I'm still going for it. Only 150 pages left to go!

Read faster!

McDoogle

Your challenge: Set up a reading race with your children/nieces/nephews. Select a subject they are interested in and buy two novels. Then set a date and time and..... Go Dog, GO!

Book Review: Neverwhere

An interesting story by one of my favorite authors, Neil Gaiman. I have been a fan, since my comic book reading days, and had discovered the Sandman series.

Gaiman's writing skills are awesome. The descriptions used are entertainment in and of themselves. Interesting use of and selection of words - yet not so high brow you can't understand the text, or so wordy that you get so bored you don't notice. Concise, yet cool. I realized in reading, that writing like this reveals why my scribbles fall far short.

The story of Neverwhere, reminded me somewhat (especially in think of the main characters), of the novel Gaimen writes next (Anansi Boys), but which I had already read. I found the mysterious underworld of London's unseen people living in the tunnels, sewers, and abandoned underground war zones fascinating. I found the history of London's sewer network interesting, including the 'Big Stink'.

The characters themselves I did not find all that interesting, and in general lacking in compassion. With the notable exception of Rat Girl... whose name sounds a little like Anaesthesia. In the chapter and a half she inhibited I grew quite fond of her. I liked the relationship that was growing between her and Richard (the main character), and wondered if anything could develop from it, as she explained this strange new alternate world to him. Also, she show a true vulnerability that I found refreshing, and an honesty about her fears. When she disappears - apparently not surviving a perilous bridge walk... I was devastated! And I was shocked at effect of the loss of a minor character had on me. That's pretty strong writing. However, after the loss of Rat Girl, I found none of the remaining main characters very compassionate, and didn't really care what happened to any of them.

As to the plot itself, other than the shock of losing Rat Girl, I found the story fairly predictable. Usually guessing the outcomes, and twists before they were revealed. Even the identity of the surprise villain of the piece.

Still, I would highly recommend 'Neverwhere' to anyone who enjoys reading fantasy tales.

Grade: B

McDoogle

Your Challenge: Get dirty! Worm your way into your local sewer system, and map it out. Be sure to highlight points of interest for visitors: Uneaten candy, discarded fax machines, alligators, baseball cards, etc.

A Birthday MeMe

I'm not usually the MeMe type. But my online writer friend SFGirl tagged me for the task so here goes... Here are the rules:

1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).
3. Pick your month of birth (see below).
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you. (I'm just bolding and adding comments, too)
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a comment for them (No! Everyone I know with a blog has already been tagged).
6. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve done it.

DECEMBER: Loyal (once my friend, always my friend) and generous (but I'll give you what I have). Sexy (Ummmm... you decide!). Patriotic (God Bless America!). Active in games (extremely) and interactions (what?). Impatient and hasty (sometimes... but enough to bold?). Ambitious (barely bolded - felt a little ambitious). Influential in organizations (Never!). Fun to be with (always in the group that laughs a lot. Although I have a lot of help). Loves to socialize (as I've gotten older I appreciate solializing more). Loves praises (who doesn't?). Loves attention (ditto). Loves to be loved (to a point - don't overwhelm me). Honest and trustworthy (Trust me!). Not pretending (what you see is what you got). Short tempered (but much, much improvement in this area over the years). Changing personality (What? Like Jekyll and Hyde - no, Slight changes - yes). Not egotistic (and darn proud of that! Joking....!!). Take high pride in oneself (ten years ago this would definately be bolded in big letters) . Hates restrictions (Let me run, and roam free, Baby!). Loves to joke (My #1 thing). Good sense of humor (if you laughed at the joke). Logical (Very).

I bolded many more that I thought I would and added comments to all of them. Althought I found many of my traits in all of the other months. What about you?

Your challange: Find your month, and do the same >>>>>>

JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

Have fun!

McDoogle

Book Review: Dead Beat

Unofficially Book #7 of the Dresden Files. Officially they've dropped the series numbers. Having read seven of the ten (currently) books of the series. I think it's important to read them in order - if possible. mainly because Jim Butcher puts a lot of character development into each novel, and not only is Harry Dresden in a completely different state of mind by book seven, so are many of the characters and plotlines. Thomas the amorous vampire has a completely different relationship with Harry in book 7 than when we meet him in book 3. It could a bit confusing to have read book seven before three. And that's just one example.

One thing I like about this edition of the adventures of Wizard Dresden (what a contrast between him and the character Rincewind from DiscWorld!), was that Butcher only wrote one major storyline for him this time around. Much more realistic. And it was one I enjoyed for the most part.

The major foes in this novel are necromancers. Twisted Wizards who enjoy bringing the dead to life to do there bidding. This time it's a search to find the powerful 'Word of Kemmler'. Kemmler was also a twisted wizard of old who used necromancy - but was the most powerful of them all -ever. Eventually the White Counsel was able to track Kemmler down and destroy him. But his hidden words live on. Dresden is blackmailed into becoming involved by his arch enemy the barely still hanging on spirit of Marva - vampiress of the Red Court.

Another interesting aspect in this story is the character development of Bob. The orange spirit of knowledge and experience who lives in a skull, reads trashy novels, and is somehow obligated to work with Harry on difficult cases. I think it shows Jim Butcher's skill as a writer that even orange gas can be developed as a character.

As a final novel note, Harry Dresden is made an unusual offer from the White Counsel. Does he accept it???

Grade: B

McDoogle

Your challenge: Figure out an incantation for warmer weather on Winter days.

A Dino might...

This is why I never roam uncharted jungles alone:



Of course, there's always the hope that the T-Rex would vomit and then I could run away!

McDoogle

Touched by The Dead Sea

Last week I had the unique experience of touching water from the Dead Sea. And I didn't even have to leave the country to do it.

A co-worker managed to smuggle out an Israeli water bottle full of Dead Sea water a few years ago and asked if I would be interested in seeing it.

"Of course!"

We went to his truck and he showed me the water bottle. The first thing I thought was, 'Why did you have to freeze the water? There's ice in the bottle.' Then I noticed that the 'ice' was at the bottom of the bottle not at the top. Some of the salt in the water had crystallized. Holding it up to the sunlight, mini opaque slivers could be seen floating in the water. When opened, the water had a murky smell. I can't imagine anyone getting confused and actually drinking this water. I poured a few drops of the water onto the meaty part of my right palm. I could immediately tell it was unlike any water I had ever felt before. I'm not sure how to describe the sensation, but I think the closest word would be 'velvety'. The sensation lasted quite a while - over an hour. Even in the finger that rubbed my palm.

It was pretty cool.

McDoogle

Book Review: Eye For Eye/Tunesmith

I bought this book (used) because the first story was written by Orson Scott Card, who's writing I've enjoyed since reading Ender's Game. It's a twin SF paperback (published by Tor as 'SF Double #27'), with a second story ' The Tunesmith' by Lloyd Biggle Jr. Both stories are short, approximately 100 pages, larger than usual fonts.

'Eye For Eye' by Scott Card was interesting at first. The strong writing of the main character drawing me in. 'Who is this kid? Why are people getting killed? Why is he on the run?' But by the end of the story I was a bit disappointed. The story seemed so clique and trite. Boy growing with unusual deadly power, that he has difficulty controlling, and everyone around him is wary of him (with good reason as people around him usually die), finally runs away, as the 'corporation' tracks him down. But who are good guys, and who are really the bad guys? It seems I've read versions of this plot several times, and it was typical, with no real surprise in the last paragraph.

'The Tunesmith' however, I really enjoyed. The irony being I never would have read the story if not for the first Card story. The includes an Introduction and Afterward to The Tunesmith, written by Card, who loved the story himself as an eager SF reader as a child.

I was intrigued to learn this story was originally written in 1957 - as it seems to fit and work so well in 2008. When this futuristic takes place, it's difficult for the musically inclined and talented to find work or express themselves. The only market is... writing ditties for (the equivalent of) TV commercials. Our main character Baque (intentionally, ironically pronounced 'Bach') is so passionate about his craft, he can barely survive. What sells best is a continual outpouring of mindless drivel and senseless jingles. Sound familiar? Unable to produce this garbage, he's forced to accept work as a Tunesmith as a local bar to entertain customers. The twist is that his music so impassioned that he makes a bit of a name for himself, so of course the 'establishment', in the form of the Performers Guild ,comes down on him. The story does have a bit of a good ending and... a bit of a sad ending.

I highly recommend 'The Tunesmith'!

McDoogle

PS. Your Challenge: Write your own special song. However it is not necessary to sing to everyone you meet!

CD Review: Styx: Big Bang Theory

No surprise to anyone who knows me, but Styx is my all time favorite band, ever since I first discovered them and the Grand Illusion album in college. Although I've never seen them in concert (or anyone else for that matter).

I found it to be a long dry spell after the Kilroy Was Here album which only contained the mega-hit, Mr. Roboto, and a lot of horrendous noise. After that 'concept album' which never should have been conceived of, the band seemed to split and in general gone in separate ways, except for a few reunion tours, like the re-opening of Chicago's famed Paradise Theatre.

But recently, the band seems to be on a small comeback. PBS (during yet another $$$ night) aired a Styx concert from nearby Blossom Music Theatre with the Cleveland Youth Orchestra and Chorus as part of their 'One With Everything' tour. It was great!

But as part of the pledge, PBS also offered as a throw-in (if you pledge $95) the Big Bang Theory CD. Hmmm. I later found out this album was a cover album of former hits by the currently group of Styx, with Lawrence Gowen replacing Dennis DeYoung. Seemed like it might be interesting, I'd keep an eye out for it.

Then a few weeks after eating Chinese buffet with a friend from the steel mill in Lorain, I stopped by the Record Exchange store in search of treasures and found Styx: Big Bang Theory. Only $5!

And it's great! Most of the songs are remakes from the 60's.

Songs on the album:
I Am The Walrus /Beatles (good)
I Can See For Miles / The Who (great)
Can't Find My Way Home / Steve Winwood (not bad)
It Don't Make Sense / Willie Dixon (could live without it)
I Don't Need No Doctor / Ray Charles (great)
One Way Out / Allman Brothers (great)
A Salty Dog / Procol Harum (interesting, catchy)
Summer In The City / Lovin Spoonfuls (great)
Manic Depression / Jimi Hendrix (excellent)
Talkin' About The Good Times /The Pretty Things (good)
Locomotive Breath /Jethro Tull (good)
Find The Cost Of Freedom / Stephen Stills (could live without)
Wishing Well / Free (average)
Blue Collar Man 2120 /Styx (different, jazzy)

As you can see by my comments, I highly recommend the album if you can find it.

Grade: A+

McDoogle

PS. Your Challenge: Record your own remake of a song from the 60's. Nothing from the Beach Boys, please!