Geeky Daddy

Tag.....I am It

2012-02-27T07:23:00.003-06:00

There I was kicking back, relaxing and playing with my Aqua Girl. Then the news broke that I have been tagged from Alison. So now I am entertaining all of you as well as myself...so enjoy. Thanks for the tag Alison..:)
1.What is your dream vacation?
Just one vacation hmmmmm. I would choose Egypt. I grew up being a fan of the Indiana Jones movies and always that it would be pretty cool to see the pyramids and seeing some of the tombs.

2. Are you spontaneous or do you like to plan ahead?
With a two year old it kind of hard to be spontaneous. If you count spontaneous going to grocery store..lol. Nope I am a planner with different things always going on it is much easier to know what to expect for each day.

3. Tell us one thing you want to do but don't dare do it.

I think it would be fun scaling to the top of a mountain. I think that it would be peacful and the scenery would be out of this world.

4. What's your biggest phobia?
My fear would be waking up and my family as I know are missing or gone. My wife and Aqua Girl are the most important people in my life.

5. If you were stranded on a desert island-what three things would you want with you? (Not including your laptop or family)
My survival kit, a bin of TBR books and bow and arrow(does that count as one or two), because I know I will be hungry. I am with Alison I cannot believe no laptop.

6. Name three blessings in your life.
family/friends, health, my spiritual path

7. What was your nickname in High School?.
Some that are not quite appropriate. Other would include McClintock, Mr. Eastwood or the CPU guru. I had unique friend in high school.

8. If you could meet the President of the United States, what would you say to him?
Why not try to fix the health care system instead of worrying about issues that you have limited control over. Or I afraid the health insurance companies will be after you.

9. If you could be any literary character, who would you be?
There are so many to choose from from. petty much anything that involves and magical fantasy world. Yes, I know that this is a cop out..:)
10. What is your favo(u)rite quote?

The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.-Mark Twain

When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge. Albert Einstein

So now it my turn to tag some great bloggers:
Bookworm Blues
Book Den
Little Red
Carl
Awful Reviews
Kailana

Putting on Hold

2012-02-23T05:47:00.000-06:00

With some of the reading events that are coming up in the next week or so. I decided to put The Name of the Wind on hold. I was enjoying the book and everything, but I figured I would not finsih the book by the beginning of the month. I believe I will revisit the book in May....well that it my play anyways..:)

What I did read of the book, I was in awe. It is remarkable the storyteller that Pat Rothfuss is throughout the book.

AudioFiles: Gideon's Sword by Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child

2012-02-21T07:07:00.000-06:00

Title: Gideon's Sword

Author: Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child

Narrator: John Glover

Series: Gideon Crew

Format:Audiobook

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Year:2011

Acquired:Library Loan

Ranking: Save It

Summary: Introducing Gideon Crew: trickster, prodigy, master thief

At twelve, Gideon Crew witnessed his father, a world-class mathematician, accused of treason and gunned down.

At twenty-four, summoned to his dying mother's bedside, Gideon learned the truth: His father was framed and deliberately slaughtered. With her last breath, she begged her son to avenge him.

Now, with a new purpose in his life, Gideon crafts a one-time mission of vengeance, aimed at the perpetrator of his father's destruction. His plan is meticulous, spectacular, and successful.

But from the shadows, someone is watching. A very powerful someone, who is impressed by Gideon's special skills. Someone who has need of just such a renegade.

For Gideon, this operation may be only the beginning . .

My Thoughts: I think that I was a bit spoiled with the way that this book start out. I will say that I was dialed in after the chapter or so. With all the fast past action that was going on and surrounding Gideon. I did like his mentality with the way that he social engineered most of what got him through life. He seems like the type of person that I might get along with with..:))
I did think that the story was going to go deeper with his father, but that was not the case in the story. The book did focus more on Gideon and how he was going through life.

This book had PLENTY of action, you just ever knew how he was going to accomplish the goal that organization preset for him to accomplish.I liked the way that the narrator's interpretation of the story and he made you feel that you were right there with Gideon.

This story would be for any geek that enjoys some crime solving

Scott Lynch Read-a-Long

2012-02-15T09:38:00.002-06:00

Cover of The Lies of Locke Lamora

There is a reading a event that you do not want to miss and it being hosted by Little Red Reviewer, Dark Cargo, My Awful Reviews, @OhthatAshley posting at SF Signal, and Dark Cargo Explorer. This is what I love about being a book blogger your fellow bloggers find different ways to expose you to great authors. I have never read him, but have heard GREAT things about his books.

Here are some of the details:
Detail the first: We’ll be getting started with The Lies of Locke Lamora the first week of March and Red Seas Under Red Skies sometime in mid to late April (which should give everyone a chance to get copies), and we’ll read 120 – 160 pages per week, with discussions going up on the weekends. Paperbacks tend to run less than $10, electronic probably a bit less, audio probably a bit more, limited editions from Subterranean Press considerably more so. Any version is fine. Chapter breaks and other timing info to be posted later this month.
Detail the second: These are some of my favorite books, by one of my most favorite authors. You can expect much fan girlishness from me. What I said before about restraining order behavior? uh, yeah, that was me. Here’s hoping all the other bloggers will be much more mature and professional.
Detail the third: These books are rated super R for casual violence, violence towards children, promotion of flexible morals, massive amounts of glamorized criminal activity, occasional drug and alcohol use, a smidgen of bought and paid for sex, and oh gods, the swear words.

If this sounds like it would be down your alley just stop in any of the hosting blogs that you would like participate in the read-a-long.

Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2012-02-14T06:56:00.001-06:00

Title: Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games
Format: Paperback
Genre: Science Fiction/dystopia
Year:2009
Acquired:Friend Loan
Ranking: Back it up

Summary: Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before... and surprising readers at every turn.

My Thoughts:

I was not that sure if the second book was going to be as good as first in The Hunger Games Series. I was wrong Catching Fire was better than the first installment. I figured that I might as well continue with the flow and keep reading the series that is for both YA(questionable at times) to adult.

This books keeps making you think where the next turn is going to be with the reader not really expecting what is going to happen next. Especially with Katniss being the poster child of the rebellion against the Capitol. Throughout this book reader and the victors find out how the Capitol controls the people everywhere in Panem.This book surely does not read like a 400 pager, I got through this one in relatively no time.

I did not have much to gripe about in this one I thought the dialogue was good. At times I was wondering how everything was going to fit together, with what is going to happen with Peeta, Katniss and Gale and the rest. With a pretty good cliffhanger at the end. Now I wonder what will happen in the last book of the series.

The Time Will Come #1

2012-02-09T18:29:00.000-06:00

The Time Will Come is a sweet meme hosted by Books For Company where we can feature for land of neglected books that you have been meaning to read for quite some time now.

All you have to do is:
- Pick a book you have been meaning to read
- Do a post to tell us about the book
- Link the post in the link
- Visit the other blogs!

This meme makes a reading feel terrible about oneself that is for sure. I sure do at least. The book that I am planning on reading after I am done with the second volume of the Hunger Games is going to be my book this week.

Cover via Amazon

Title: The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle #1)
Author: Patrick Rothfuss
Pages: 662

Told in Kvothe's own voice, this is the tale of the magically gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen.The intimate narrative of his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, his years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-ridden city, his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a legendary school of magic, and his life as a fugitive after the murder of a king form a gripping coming-of-age story unrivaled in recent literature. A high-action story written with a poet's hand, The Name of the Wind is a masterpiece that will transport readers into the body and mind of a wizard.

This book has sparked me interest for quite some time. I am not really sure why I have been putting it off for OVER a year or so.

So what has been trying to jump out and get you attention to be read from your bookshelf?

AquaGirl Scares Off Daycare

2012-02-06T05:26:00.001-06:00

My wife and I were informed that the current sitter that Aquagirl has during the day will be more than likely moving a couple state over in about June or so. He husband was offered a job that will double his salary. I wish that there would an offered like that for me.This means that Aquagirl will be going through 2 live-in day cares in one year. I am thinking that maybe she is like the baby off The Incredibles or some thing. I am just glad that the current sitter told us with more notice than the last one.

My wife is struggling with this fact. She works a part-time job during the day. We are seriously discussing if she should quit her job and considering sitting a child or 2. My wife does not deal with stress very well whatsoever. It has not been a good day and half around here. I am hoping that her friend that she emailed sents a message back about considers and thoughts about sitting children. Or it may be a LONG 6 month period or whenever what we decide to do. I am hoping that the situation is figured out sooner than later.

In The Humor Of It All Reading Event

2012-02-01T21:48:00.001-06:00

I am not going to officially call it a challenge, but it is an event. I have been thinking about doing something fun and silly for a challenge or event for quite some time. Andrea really got it stirring for me. If you really want to blame somebody blame her...jk.There are some fantsy/sci-fi authors out there that give these world some life and makes the readier laugh out loud..:) For instance, Sir Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams(recognize the button) and Piers Anthony to name a few. I am sure that there a PLENTY out there that I have yet to discover as well.

When does this wonderful event that place anyway. When else would it be taking place in April. It will go through the entire month.

What counts as humor?
Humor you think that it would make you laugh and think it would give you joy go right ahead and give the book a whirl. I am not going to be picky with this event. You can real 1 book or 20 books under the criteria listed above. I just want people to be able to enjoy the whole month of April. I like to see smiles on peoples faces.All in all I want people to have fun.

How can bloggers who are participating identify themselves? Feel free to grab the button that I made above as well.. You can put it in the side bar, or in the post, or whatever you feel like doing.You can make it your background if you really want to.I will make a tab for you to post you reviews and comments on the top of the Geeky Daddy as well. For you non-bloggers that want to post what you read.
On Twitter? use #humorbookevent

UPDATE(2/10/2012): I was thinking at work earlier today about the genres of reading. I figured why limit what people should read. I am just going to leave the floodgates open and you can chose any type of fiction you so desire.

If you have any questions or concerns you can give me a haler on here, twitter.

Book Review: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

2012-01-31T09:24:00.001-06:00

Title: Fahrenheit 451
Author: Ray Bradbury
Format: Paperback
Genre: Science Fiction/dystopia
Year: 1953
Acquired: Library Loan
Challenge: Vintage Sci-Fi Not a Challenge Month
Ranking: Back it up

Summary: Guy Montag was a fireman whose job it was to start fires...

The system was simple. Everyone understood it. Books were for burning ... along with the houses in which they were hidden.

Guy Montag enjoyed his job. He had been a fireman for ten years, and he had never questioned the pleasure of the midnight runs nor the joy of watching pages consumed by flames... never questioned anything until he met a seventeen-year-old girl who told him of a past when people were not afraid.

Then he met a professor who told him of a future in which people could think... and Guy Montag suddenly realized what he had to do!

My Thoughts: I just finished reading Fahrenheit 451 book this morning. I was not impressed with the ending of this masterpiece. I still cannot believe how Bradbury accomplished writing this book. He wrote the entire novel in the basement of UCLA's Powell Library on a pay typewriter that he rented for a fee of ten cents per half an hour. To me that is craziness, but what is one to do if they do not have a typewriter of this or her own. It was the 1950’s after all.

About the book, I just could not even fathom a world not being able to have access to books. In this world that Montag lived in it was against the law to own or possess a book. Look at what you learn from reading through the pages of people from the past and learning from their mistakes. It is good to know why something is or isn’t true. Bradbury did a wonderful job putting the reading in Montag’s shoes and you could feel so deeply what he was feeling about the world that he was living in. I would recommend that if you did not read this book yet. Just give this one a shot, you will not be sorry.

Historical Fiction Challenge 2012

2012-01-28T09:49:00.001-06:00

The Historical Fiction Challenge is hosted by Historical Tapestry. The rules are as follows:

everyone can participate, even those who don’t have a blog (you can add your book title and thoughts in the comment section if you wish)

add the link(s) of your review(s) including your name and book title to the Mister Linky we’ll be adding to our monthly post (please, do not add your blog link, but the correct address that will guide us directly to your review)

any kind of historical fiction is accepted (HF fantasy, HF young adult,…)

During these following 12 months you can choose one of the different reading levels:

Severe Bookaholism: 20 books
Undoubtedly Obsessed: 15 books
Struggling the Addiction: 10 books
Daring & Curious: 5 books
Out of My Comfort Zone: 2 books

My goal is to aim somewhere along the lines of 5-10 books throughout the year for this challenge. I decided to challenge myself a little bit this year. Who knows what I might learn on the way:)

Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov

2012-01-27T06:44:00.001-06:00

Image via Wikipedia

Title: Foundation and Empire
Author: Isaac Asimov
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Hard Science Fiction
Year: 1952
Acquired: Library Loan
Ranking: 2/5

Summary: Led by its founding father, the great psychohistorian Hari Seldon, and taking advantage of its superior science and technology, the Foundation has survived the greed and barbarism of its neighboring warrior-planets. Yet now it must face the Empire—still the mightiest force in the Galaxy even in its death throes. When an ambitious general determined to restore the Empire’s glory turns the vast Imperial fleet toward the Foundation, the only hope for the small planet of scholars and scientists lies in the prophecies of Hari Seldon.
But not even Hari Seldon could have predicted the birth of the extraordinary creature called The Mule—a mutant intelligence with a power greater than a dozen battle fleets…a power that can turn the strongest-willed human into an obedient slave.

My Thoughts: I just feel let down by the first two books of this series. I guess Asimov is not my cup of tea or coffee what have you. I did struggle the grasp Asimov writing style in the first book. So I figured that maybe the second book in the series would be a little better. I was wrong. I came into this series thrilled to FINALLY read the Foundation series.I feel disappointed with many of my friends recommending this series. It took all my being to be able to finish this book. Well maybe it was because it was an audiobook I am not sure what it was for me.

The basic premise for the Foundation series is that a brilliant scientist Hari Seldon has developed the art of psychohistory; he can basically predict the future movements of humanity and the ebbs and flow of history within a reasonable margin for error. He sees that the galaxy will regress to barbarism, but by establishing a foundation of scientists and other intellectuals to work on a world encyclopedia and preserve the knowledge of the current empire, the period of barbarism can be reduced dramatically. Of course, he can't live forever, so he predicts as far ahead as he can, and records holograms of himself to be viewed by future generations so that they can partake in his knowledge and thwart whatever evils will come to them.

If you're like me, this sounds like a really incredibly awesome concept, and it really is. The problem is that it just doesn't work out to be as exciting as it sounds. In the first novel, I liked the idea, but by midway through this, the second, I decided it actually limits the series entirely. To base the series on the idea of the future being predictable, Asimov essentially created a crutch the leads to there being no actual drama whatsoever. If you know the good guys have everything worked out ahead of time, is there ever really any question how things will turn out in the long run? I don't think so. Of course, there are going to be minor problems to create a little bit of conflict, but it seems pretty clear that the good guys are going to pull it out.

On Tap:This Weeks Reads

2012-01-24T08:32:00.000-06:00

It is Tuesday and Wisconsin is having it crazy weather as of late. I wish that it would either snow or not. It has been teasing us Wisconsinites this past "winter." So there is no better weather outside than to be reading, but for me that is most weather..:)I decided to put a post together each week what my plans are that I am reading in that given week.

I am usually reading book and listening to a book at all times.

On tap: the audiobook is: Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov
This book is part of a group read that Carl from Stainless Steel Drooping is hosting for the Foundation Trilogy. So far it is pretty good thus far.

My Paperback read is: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
I hears that it was a good book, plus it is part of a Vintage Sci-Fi Reading Not A Challenge that a friend of mine (Andrea) is currently hosting.

The book that is currently on deck is: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
I am not that sure why it has taken me this long to read this book..:)

So what is on your reading agenda this week?

Foundation Group Read Part II

2012-01-20T09:39:00.000-06:00

Hello Everybody.Welcome to Part II of the Foundation Groupread, hosted by Carl from Stainless Steel Droppings. A big thumbs up for taking on the task of hosting this Group Read. I cannot help the fact while reading this book I did compare it the Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. I am sure that there were more of you out that did the same and I did.

The answers to some of the question may include spoilers to the book...here is your warning.

Salvador Hardin was the first character in the book that we got to spend any significant time with. What are your thoughts on the grande finale of his plotting, scheming and maneuvering to get the Foundation through to the next Seldon crisis?

Now talk about a politician through and through. Hardin continued to manipulate events to his favor throughout this section of the reading. With the Foundation that Hardin built with its technologies. You would think that the Four Kingdoms would want to work with Hardin. Instead being in a war with someone that cut vital technologies that you rely one. Just don’t mess with someone that can make you life miserable. We had Seldom in this section as well so it is always great to hard him to bring us back.

What are your thoughts on the way in which control/manipulation to achieve Foundation ends began to shift with The Traders?

I will admit that the The Trader section was a big yawner compared to Hardin chapters. A short tale, set fifty-five years after “The Mayors,” “The Traders” is a tale of how the application of religion to science has effectively become a stagnant policy. After witnessing the fate of the Four Kingdoms, no nearby star systems are will accept Foundation technology. A new force for expansion is revealed, however, through the use of trade.

From the shift from religion to the trading just give one a interesting perspective on how things do change throughout time. Just that is how it used to be done does mean that it way that it use to be. Thus it can change from year to year.

One of the interesting things about Seldon’s psychohistory is how much one man can actually affect it. In Foundation we see characters like Hardin and Mallow as key figures for positioning things just right to work towards Seldon’s later predictions. Do you see this as a contradiction to what Seldon said about psychohistory at the beginning of our story or part of an overall plan? Discuss.

I will admit some of the information was hard to grasp in an audiobook. As much and Hardin and Mallow want the Seldons plan to go accordingly. I have a feeling that it is not going to happen as smmoth as they think it will go. A monkey wrench somewhere is going to thrown into the mx and askew the smooth sailing.

This has happened throughout history. The interesting part is going to be be how will the Foundation be able to regain after being diverted.

Has your concept/thoughts of what Seldon was trying to do changed at all since the book began?

It has not changed much for me at least. I know he is a genius and I like it when he draws us back in if we get side tracked. One thing that I still waiting for is how his grand plan is going to eventually unfold.

Any final thoughts on the story as a whole, its structure, what it did or did not accomplish, how it worked for you, etc?

I am liking what Asimov did in the second half of the book with character development. It seems more rushed in the first part of this book. I liked how he had elaborated more on who and what Hardin in to the Foundation. I could not stop listening to this book. I was either listening to it in the car or at home. I sure wish I could listen to it at work..:) I am excited to be able to read the next two books. Speaking of which the second book in the series is at the library right now.

So are you going to join the group in the next book Foundation and the Empire..it start tomorrow.

Foundation by Isaac Asimov, Group Read-a-Long Part I

2012-01-16T18:29:00.003-06:00

Welcome to Part I of the Foundation Groupread, hosted by Carl from Stainless Steel Droppings.

Asimov’s “Foundation” is divided into five parts. This week’s discussion covers up until midway through Part 3.

The answers to some of the question may include spoilers to the book...here is your warning.

For those reading it for the first time, what expectations did you have and has it held up, or not held up, thus far?

I was not really sure what I was expecting from the Foundation in the group read. I am with Grace and that is being an Asimov virgin. I have heard that he is one of the BIG 3 of high Sci-Fi. I saw that Carl was doing a group read. I thought why not join into this event. I know that I am little behind, I know that will caught up considering that the reading of the second book is in a week or so.

What are your thoughts about the structure of the novel thus far? (I am referring to the brief glimpses of different parts of the history of the Foundation with big time gaps between events in the novel)

The structure of the novel is that not big of deal to me at least. I am listening to the book is it is not that bad. I like the fact that they go back and forth to the Encyclopedia Galactica. I would have like a more vast introduction to the Foundation and there is a lot of jumping around and such so it sometimes gets hard for one to be in a particular characters shoes. I am getting use to the way that Asimov structured the novel.

The good thing about this book is that it reminds me Star Wars episode 4. A trilogy that I was basically raised on in which I could probably recite with a drop of a hat.

What are your initial thoughts on the field of psychohistory?

The psychohistorians make general predictions about the future behavior of very large groups of people. It is interesting to see Asimov is unfolding how vast the field is throughout the book thus far. To me that field of not a plausible theory, it has loop hole, but there is a reason why it is considered science fiction.

What, if anything, is holding your interest thus far, what are you enjoying about Foundation?

I am a HUGE fan of Hari Seldon. He is like Obi-Wan Kenobi (yes another Star Wars reference). He is always there to explain what is currently going on. Hari explains to everyone what is going on in the book.
I like the Time Vault as well. It is just interesting to see how everything is going to unfold when the celebration do take place of the 50th year of the Foundation’s existence.
It is hard to pinpoint all of what I am liking in this book, because it is all great so far throughout this masterpiece.

You may have covered this in answering the other questions, but if not, what are your thoughts/feelings about the Galactic Empire. Is it a practical thing to have a galaxy spanning government? Can you imagine such a thing and do you think it would work?

I do imagine that it could work, but could it really work I have my doubts.I am not that sure if the galactic empire would over long periods of time as Asimov has in the Foundation. There are many factors to consider that being so many people and planets. The government would not be able to be fair and consistent government throughout.

What are your thoughts on Hardin’s creation of a religious system in which to house scientific ideas and technology while keeping the users of that science and technology in the dark?

I thought Hardin’s invention of a religious system was quite interesting. He gave everybody a set of beliefs to abide by, retaining all the knowledge to the Foundation. In doing so it’s almost like the rest of the system is going backwards and losing the knowledge they once had as they become more and more reliant upon these beliefs. It is different creation that is for sure.

I hope that everyone is enjoying the read a long. I think I will be caught up by mid to late week..:)

Aquagirl is Sick

2012-01-16T10:03:00.000-06:00

I was late getting into the Foundation Group Read hosted by Stainless Steel Droppings. Then my lil Aquagirl came down with a bloody wicked cold. With either my wife or I taking care of Aquagirl since Thursday, it has been a long couple of days.

Now later this afternoon, we are going to see if we can get Aquagirl some meds to help the cold out a bit. She sounds worse than Darth Vader with the breathing and she is just congested that is worrisome. I hope that it gets better soon.

Due to these events, I am falling behind on the Foundation that is alright though. I will catch up by the time that we (the group) reads the second book in the trilogy.

Audiofiles:The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein

2012-01-09T12:46:00.000-06:00

Title: The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
Author:Robert A. Heinlein

Genre: Science fiction
Length: 13h
Audio publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks
Read by: Lloyd James
Rating: 4/5

Summary:
It is a tale of revolution, of the rebellion of the former Lunar penal colony against the Lunar Authority that controls it from Earth. It is the tale of the disparate people—a computer technician, a vigorous young female agitator, and an elderly academic—who become the rebel movement's leaders. And it is the story of Mike, the supercomputer whose sentience is known only to this inner circle, and who for reasons of his own is committed to the revolution's ultimate success.
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is one of the high points of modern science fiction, a novel bursting with politics, humanity, passion, innovative technical speculation, and a firm belief in the pursuit of human freedom.

My Thoughts:

It took me a while to get use to the Luna speak compared to earthly speak. I couldn't figure out what was going on or why the language was so rough and unpolished and choppy. Eventually, though, I found the rhythm of it and settled in just fine -- I didn't even notice it after a while. It makes sense; Luna started off as a penal colony and has since developed completely separate from Earth. Luna does trim down the language and use as efficient as possible.

I will say this my favorite "character" in the book was Mike. Yes a super computer was my favorite. I was saddened to see what happened to him in the end of the book. Nobody was quite sure what happened to the super computer he did not respond back to Mannie after revolt was over.

Throughout the book it was scary to see what knew about anyone and everyone on a drop of a hat. I think that Heinlein hit this nail right on the head. Considering that this book was published in 1966. It was like reading a Clarke novel. So close that it is scary.

All in all, though, this is a novel about politics -- a very complex, deep, intellectual and sophisticated look at politics, government, revolution and war. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress has a very definite world-view and political philosophy, some of which I agreed with, and some of which I really, really didn't. My agreement (or lack thereof) with the politics espoused in this book didn't seem to have much bearing on my enjoyment of it. This is a book that requires the reader to think. This is something that some books these days are lacking. Look and some of the books that the teens these days are reading like the Twilight Series.

So if you need a book that make you think this you pick. I want to thank Andrea from Little Red Reviewer for recommending this book to me to read.

AudioFiles:The Minority by Philip K. Dick

2012-01-06T06:03:00.000-06:00

Author: Philip K. Dick
Genre: Science Fiction
Year:1956
Read by: Keir Dullea
Acquired: Library
Rating: 3/5

Overview of the Book: In the world of The Minority Report, Commissioner John Anderton is the one to thank for the lack of crime. He is the originator of the Precrime System, which uses "precogs"–people with the power to see into the future–to identify criminals before they can do any harm. Unfortunately for Anderton, his precogs perceive him as the next criminal. But Anderton knows he has never contemplated such a thing, and this knowledge proves the precogs are fallible. Now, whichever way he turns, Anderton is doomed–unless he can find the precogs's "minority report"–the dissenting voice that represents his one hope of getting at the truth in time to save himself from his own system.

My Thoughts: I just watched the movie with my wife over New Years and I was not that sure what to expect. I was hope that there was not a hack job in this case. Considering that we did really enjoyed the movie. Being a short story there was not that much to hack out in the first place, but there was plenty that Spielberg could add to the book if desired. Anyways lets get to book review.

We're set up to think Anderton is the protagonist because he's the one being sought after for a possible murder. But when he finds out that there really is no minority report, that the precogs' reports cancel each other out instead of having a majority report, he still doesn't seem to be remorseful for any of the people that he has put into the internment camps throughout his years in Precrime. When someone suggests to him that Precrime should instead let the accused future muderer know about his/her possible crime to see if he or she changes his or her mind, he's very blaise about it. The only reason the precogs' reports change is because Anderton knows that he's being accused of a future murder to which he believes he won't commit but then after realizing why he might commit murder he changes his mind.

This short story did not take very long for me to get through. I was a good story, but not great overall.The action packed in this short story is crazy. Dick does shows that even you try to prevent crime in the future, but there is only so much that you can do. Also this is my first Dick story that I have read.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2011-12-31T06:03:00.001-06:00

Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: YA Dystopian
Year:2008
Pages: 374
Acquired: Borrowed from a friend
Rating: 5/5

Overview of the Book: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games," a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed.

Review: I know that I am a little late for the party, but it is better late than never...RIGHT. :) I was in the breakroom at work and saw a Magazine Entertainment Weekly(or something to that effect),the cover story was for the movie for Hunger Games was coming out in 2012. I wonder what the heck is the Hunger Games. I asked one my friends and work if she had the book, because her and I have similar book tastes. She in fact did and now the second book in the series is waiting in the wing.

This book is interesting to say the very least. The Capitol pitting 24 kids again one another til all that is remaining is 1, the victor. During the Hunger Games, people from the outside are watching every more and "The Arena" is controlled by the Gamekeepers, if the action is going to slow the Keepers make it so that thier is more action for the viewing audience.

I was barely able to put this book down I completely hooked. Suzanne Collins narrative here has an immediacy to it that, when combined with the very dramatic life-or-death plot, is incredibly compelling. It was entertaining, and incredibly disturbing all at once never thought that could be possible. If this was merely a good read, I would have given it 4 stars, but they say great art leaves you changed after you experience it.

I thought that it was funny at the end how Peeta(other tribute in Katniss's district) and Katniss stick it to the Capitol with a sudden rule change(if 2 tributes of the same district are remaining then there would be co-victors) and then the Capitol trying to double back.

I have never read a book quite like this one, but I will be exploring more reads such as this one. Well after I read The Hunger Games Series of course. If you have not read this book yet, I HIGHLY recommend this one.

Smurferrific

2011-12-29T09:34:00.002-06:00

Image by vinylmeister via Flickr

My family has known since I was a little tike that I have been a fan of The Smurfs. This year for Christmas I received a DVD of The Smurfs 5 bonus cartoons. My loving wife gave The Smurfs movie. I was excited to see some of these items in my stocking this season for the Holidays.

I also recieved a GPS for the longs trips through down state Michigan or going to visit my cousin and his family on the other side of the state in Wisconsin. ROAD TRIP..:)

So what did you get for Christmas this holiday season?

Happy Holidays

2011-12-25T01:00:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a safe and Happy Holidays. If you are spending it time with your families I hope that it is enjoyable throughout this time of the year.

We are hosting the Christmas Eve party this year. I hope that it does well and my wife's dad is coming to town from lower MI for a couple of days. I hope that everything goes well for the next couple of days:) Please wish us luck.

Scott Pilgrim's: Precious Life by Lee O'Malley

2011-12-13T13:48:00.001-06:00

Title: Scott Pilgrim's: Precious Life
Author/Artist: Lee O'Malley
Published: August 2004
From: Local Library

Synopsis: Scott Pilgrim's life is totally sweet. He's 23 years old, he's in a rock band, he's "between jobs," and he's dating a cute high school girl. Nothing could possibly go wrong, unless a seriously mind-blowing, dangerously fashionable, rollerblading delivery girl named Ramona Flowers starts cruising through his dreams and sailing by him at parties. But the path to Ms. Flowers isn't covered in rose petals. Ramona's seven evil ex-boyfriends stand in the way between Scott and true happiness. Can Scott beat down the bad guys without turning his precious little life upside down?

My Thoughts:

I was looking for a graphic novel to read. So was looking on Indie Bound and I stumbled upon this one. I will be honest I have NEVER heard of it whatsoever. I was not sure what really expect from this graphic novel. I starting reading it and myself and so many other nerdlings can relate with Scott throughout this book I am certain of that one.

Scott meets this skater delivery girl at a party Romona while dating this high school girl Knives(why would you even consider dating a girl named Knives). Throughout this book it seems that he is not that sure if you wants to live in the past or accept and grow-up and starting taking steps toward the future. He starts dating Romona and finds out something odd about her.

In order to continue dating her Scott needs to defeat all 7 of Romona ex-boyfriends. Huh..interesting I see. After meeting Romona his life is not quite the same is an understatement. Scott does not have any power or anything is just a great fighter and the first boyfriend did not start a chance against Scott. Scott also gets help from his fellow sucky band members and his gay roommate that offer advice what he should do.

I thought that artwork from O'Malley was okay is this book. It is all black and white in this one. He did a great job showing the moods in each characters throughout this first volume of Scott Pilgrim. O'Malley shows that everyone has their own personality.

My Grade: B+

Going Vintage Sci-Fi

2011-12-09T06:15:00.001-06:00

Andrea over at Little Red Reviewer is hosting not a challenge, but more so an event during the month of January. You may ask what is considered vintage for this event.Pretty much anything that was published before 1979. I do tend to agree with this assumption. I like this event, this is no requirements of when you need to have something read or have x amount of book to be read in the month.It is just plain old love of reading to read. Isn't that what it is all about always, from every bibliophile to the next.

Here is a quick list that I am hoping to read/listening to:

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein
Foundation or I,Robot by Isaac Asimov(not sure which one yet)
Journey To The Center of the Earth by Jules Verne
Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick

I hope that you can join this event in the month of January, it should be good old-fashion fun.

New Direction

2011-12-06T15:12:00.000-06:00

Image by frankdasilva via Flickr

It just seems these days with Aqua Girl and other responsibilities in daily life I just cannot do the amount of reading to fulfill this blog. So instead of reading just books(I will still throw in here every so often), I will be also reviewing more manga and graphic novels to have more posts for you read. I will be able to read these much quicker, especially with a 18 month old. I will also be blogging happening in my(other) life as well.

The Season Is Over

2011-11-28T06:19:00.001-06:00

With Wisconsin's Gun Deer coming to a close last night at about 430 or so. I was unsuccessful in shooting a deer this season. It seemed that the deer were sparse this season. It seemed that the harvest this season in my area was down from the last couple of years.

I was not ale to go out as much as I wanted to, because of work. DAMN YOU work. I guess you need to be happy to have a job in the recession or whatever you want to call it.

My dad shot 2 deer opening morning and uncle shot one as well on the same day.
I guess that the car jumping kamikazes are safe until fall for bow season in 2012.

LOTR Read-A-Long; Return of the King Section 3

2011-11-26T20:41:00.000-06:00

I just cannot believe that this the end of Lord of the Rings. I just cannot believe that I WAITED this long in the live the finally read the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I will say this experience was so much better reading with friends like you. I am sure that I will never see any of you face to face, but I do consider you friends. I was about to talk to you about my thoughts and everything in between.

I just could not believe how much Middle Earth changed throughout the war. It was nothing that the hobbits remembered when they left The Shire.

As always, leave your link in the comments.
Do you twitter then use the hash tag #LOTRreadalong .If you would like the discuss more about this section.

What Other Bloggers Thought:
All Booked Up
Little Red Reviewer
Blue Fairy Bookshelf

The Section Questions:

What do you think Gandalf was going to speak with Tom Bombadil about?
I for one am not that sure at all. Well maybe it is in The Adventures of Tom Bombadil . It maybe worth a looking into and seeing if we could find out what Gandalf is really up to with Tom. Who really knows what that Gandalf character is up to anyways..:)

What did you think of the two weddings? Do you think Eowyn will eventually find happiness with Faramir?

Ahhh...I am not that sure what to really think of two weddings. I was wondering what was Sam going to do in the end.He could not live with Mr. Frodo forever...could he. I do hope that everyone find happiness in their marriages and everything is so much more than they expect it to be for each partner.

What did you think of their meeting with Saruman on the road home? I was half expecting someone to just kill Saruman.

I thought that it was funny that he was a peasant and such. I did not believe that this is was going to be the last that we saw of Saurman anyway. He is like the flu, he always pops up at the least opportune times. I just seemed that he needed to live to make the readers wonder what became of him. It would have been nice to have his head hewed off, but no such luck. It was a pretty tense encounter nonetheless.

Holy Cow I was not expecting the scouring of the shire. If this is your first time reading, were you surprised? And if this isn't your first time reading, does the shock get a little easier to swallow on re-read?

I could not believe what I was seeing in The Shire. The hobbits surely did not think that this was the right place. If I were them my thoughts would have been "Am I in an alternate universe.' I was shocked to see what happened to the Shire in this chapter. Seeing the kind of destruction that took place while the Hobbits were absent would be a tough pill to swallow.
I am glad that did lead the revolt in taking and cleaning the Shire back the way that it was when they left so long ago.

What did you think of the very end, of the departure of the Havens?

To me this part is sad throughout this chapter. With the quest complete and everything is back to normal. How do you live your life now knowing that you saved Middle Earth. Sam wanted so badly wanted to come with, but he knew that he could not come along.

Characters are supposed to change and develop during a story, right? Who changed more, Sam or Frodo?

For me it was Sam. He began the quest as an obedient follower to his Master Frodo. Throughout the journey he became so much more decisive and was the Ring bearer for a time. In the end it seemed that he much more happier and was leading more of a life than being a servant.

Come and join us in the reading of The Children of Hurin during the month of December. Posts won’t be as formal as these, but Little Red Reviewer and Stainless Steel Droppings and I look forward to your comments!

LOTR Read-A-Long: The Return of the King Section 2

2011-11-20T22:09:00.001-06:00

But do you remember Gandalf's words: Even Gollum may have something yet to do? But for him, Sam, I could not have destroyed the Ring. The Quest would have been in vain, even at the bitter end. So let us forgive him! For the Quest is achieved and now all is over. I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam.

Well hello everyone on this fine day.Sorry about the posting being a bit late this week it was Opening Day for hunting this weekend in Wisconsin. I cannot believe all the action that happened throughout this section. I was in awe in some parts of this quest in this section. Here we found out Denethor has been using a palantir and was being mislead. We also find out how loyal Samwise really is to his master Frodo.Frodo and Sam were met with Gollum once a again and was not going do all that he could to get the Ring.
This weeks questions were provided by Carl V from Stainless Steel Droppings, and they are some good ones! As always, leave your link in the comments or tweet it to me at @g33ky_daddy with #LOTRreadalong .
What Other Bloggers Thought:

Little Red Reviewer
Lynn’s Book Blog
Blue Fairy’s Bookshelf

The Questions

1. After witnessing the events of Denethor's demise, what are your thoughts on him as a father and as a ruler, especially when compared to what happened with Boromir and the Ring.
I think that him as a father and ruler was skewed throughout our experience with him. Denethor was a person that we were not that sure about since we met him throughout the book. One fellow bloggers mentions that Denethor might have been more mad about the fact that Faramir allowed Frodo to continue on his way on his journey. Thus giving Faramir a suicide mission in return. Denethor was captivated with power of the ring.
So he could not function, adequately was a ruler and as a father. As a ruler he lost all insight after he was looking into the palantír.

2. Instead of riding into the city with pomp and circumstance, Tolkien pens the king's return as a clandestine act in which he demonstrates his rightful place through the act of healing the wounded. Your thoughts?

I thought that it was great that he did not just walking in and assume control of the city just like that, even after the city’s Steward had just died. Especially in the circumstances that he died.I think that the town was in mixed feeling with what was happening.
Aragon does show that he cares more about the his friends to be well and safe than the power and authority that he portrays in the book. Especially with the line in which he belongs to. He does not let that go to his head.

3. For one chapter Sam got to be rescuer and ring-bearer. What are your thoughts about Sam's brief time as a ring-bearer in comparison to the others who have born the ring, or wished to?

I thought that it was great that Sam took the ring and did not let the power of the ring take over him like the many others that the ring did in the past. He did feels the burden of the ring weighing on him, but he did not seemed bothered by it much at all. Sam as always thought of his master first. If Frodo was not there to continue on the mission he would go and try to accomplish the feat that they set out to do in the first place. Sure am glad that Frodo had a great companion with him throughout this journey.:)
I like that Tolkien did this to try to set up a what if possibility if the mission was not conquered in the end.

4. In a twist unexpected in many hero tales, Tolkien ends the journey into Mount Doom with Frodo ultimately failing at his task. How did you feel about this and ultimately how does it make you feel about both Frodo and Gollum?

It was a twist alright at the end. I could not believe that Tolkien did this showing that Frodo and Sam came so close to fail. It would make a lot of sense that rings power would be so much great with the closer that it was to Mount Doom and more burden that ring was laying on Frodo.
In the end, it was different how the ring was ultimately destroyed.Sadly for Frodo lost a finger in the end with Gollum getting the ring back. Gollum finally got his precious back, but falls to his death into Crack of Doom into the lava. This freed Middle-earth from Sauron's power.

5. Given that The Lord of the Rings is largely about an all male cast, what are your thoughts about Tolkien's portrayal of Eowyn now that we've seen the course of her journey through these culminating chapters of her story?

.I sure did like what Eowyn did throughout her journey. After being told to stay home and do not get into trouble by her father. So what does she do. She Eowyn dresses up so that she is not recognized and is in the thick of the Battle at Minas Tirith.
I sure did like like were being bold enough to go and ride for day being disguised, I know that not many people would even attempt to do such a thing. She is a person fascinates me. You just do not know what to expect from her next. She is hands down awesome and Tolkien knows that he created a character that everyone would love.

6. Much of this section of our reading has been filled with desperate acts with little hope of success. How do you feel about the mood Tolkien created in the build up both to the battle and the final push into Mount Doom and what are your thoughts on how these sections ended?

I like the journey to Mount Doom. I was enthralled with the suspense that coming in step by step in this part of the book. I was being to wonder how they were going to accomplish the task that the hobbits set out to do in the first place. I know this mostly walking and find drinkable water. This part of the section had me on the edge of my seat:)

7. The "assigned" sections for part 3 only take us to the end of the actual story. Will you be reading the appendices?

I hope been looking over many of the appendices throughout this journey in destroying the One Ring. I have been a fan of maps and family trees and such for quite some time now. I think I will be looking over and seeing what sparks my interest. I do not think that I will be read everything, but some of it. I think everyone should skim through some parts of it.

Interested in More Tolkien?

2011-11-17T20:09:00.001-06:00

Cover of The Children of Hurin

I am not that sure everyone has heard that the group was planning on reading an additional book after The Return of the King. The book is The Children of Hurin. Here is an overview of the book over at Good Reads, if you are curious what the book is about. I say continue the fun with Tolkiens Army and explore more about Middle Earth past or future.

Here is the tentative schedule of the reading:

I figured that we start reading the book on December 3, so I hope that this gives everyone enough time to get access to a book.

Part 1: The Children of Turin through Turin Among Outlaws Discussion December 10

Part 2: Of Mim the Dwarf through The Return of Turin to Do-lomin Discussion December 17

Part 3: The Coming of Turin into Brethil through The Death of Turin Discussion December 24

I know that with the holidays coming up. These date are as usual the discussion start on Saturday, I figured that this would be a fun throw in book to continue the Tolkien Read-A-Long. I will teamed up with Little Red Reviewer or Stainless Steel Dropping for the trio-hosting of this book.Go to twitter and use hashtag #LOTRreadalong or comment on this post. We are all glad that you could join in with a great group read.

POST UPDATE

There has been a change in plans. We decided to just review the book as a whole when we finish the book. Due to the busy holiday season and other responsibilities may have at the moment.

LOTR Read-A-Long: The Return of the King Section 1

2011-11-11T23:28:00.001-06:00

Out of doubt, out of dark to the day's rising
I came singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.
To hope's end I rode and to heart's breaking:
Now for wrath, now for ruin and a red nightfall!

Welcome back to the quest through Middle Earth everybody. I hope that everyone is enjoying the journey as much as I am in The Return of the King. This week it was my task to figure out some question for the group to answer. You can add other thoughts as well.
In this section, it filled with plenty of actions in the first 6 chapters that was for certain. In this section, there was preparing for the imminent Battle that was about to take place in Minas Tirith. The gathering of other all the other people(nations) in one place to take on the Orc and other of Saurman’s evil army.
There were plenty of surprises in the section as well. Finding out that Both Eowyn and Merry snuck in to fight for the People of Rohan. I liked this part that you cannot deny for fighting for what I believe in.
on twitter? use #LOTRreadalong
Link your post in the comments, or tweet it to me. Once again, thank you for joining us on our journey to Middle Earth!
What Other Bloggers Thought:
Little Red Reviewer
Blue Fairy’s Bookshelf
Lynn's Books
Polishing Mud Balls
Book Den

1.With the company that went with Aragorn through the Paths of Death. Would you have volunteered knowing it may be curse and ghosts haunting the paths?
I think that I would have volunteered to go with Aragon to the Path of Dead. It was a quite difficult task for the Company of Rangers to start out with.They find the lost army of the undead oathbreakers who dwell in the Paths of the Dead, a mountain hall where they have been enslaved since their treachery ages ago.
i would have like to be a part of something like that with the Company of Rangers. Aragon used the oathbreakers of ultimately defeat the Corsairs of Umbar. It makes me smile thinking of the way that the Company of Rangers and Oathbreakers came into the battle at the right moment.

2.What were your thoughts of Merry and Pippin in the preparation to the Battle of Gondor. It seemed that each ruler just thought that each hobbit could not be a contribution to the battle.
I felt that each hobbit were mot being treated as solider, but as a child in which their physical appearance resembles. If I were either one of them I would have been ticked that the Lord or King of either people not really allowing them fight in a battle that Pippin and Merry wanted to be a part of hands down.
In the end both Pippin and Merry were involved in the way even if their services were no longer required by Rohan or Gondor. I would have fought tooth and nail to be a apart of this battle as all the other able men were as well.
3.Did you think that the preparations to the Battle sparked your interest and all or did you find that the flow was bogged down a bit?
I did think at times that it got a little long with the descriptions and the parts that were lulled. Tolkien did shows that a great battle does not just take place over night. Their is a strategy in the planning and attempt to take down the enemy that is trying to overtake your place. Tolkien also shows his experience from the World War I once again.
i thought that it was great that Tolkien implemented his war experiences into this epic tale of good vs evil. Like the Allied Powers vs the Central Powers. I do think that after this read along I am going to do some real life war reads.

4. I thought that it was great that both Eowyn and Merry made it to the Battlefield. Yet against orders of the King and made a huge contributions. What did you think both of them doing this and would you have done this if it was you?I thought that it took a lot of guts from both of them. Merry did not think that he was riding into battle with Eowyn in the first place. Merry thought that he was riding to battle Dernhelm.Merry did find out there was a reason that Dernhelm did not chat to much on their 4 day horse ride to Minas Tirith.
The Witch-King was taken down by Éowyn and, with help from Merry. Both were hurt pretty bad in the combat against the Witch-King.
I am not that sure if I would have committed insubordination against my King or father. It is pretty hard to say what i would have done. Well…it would have depended upon what my thoughts would have been on the situation.
5. What do you think of Denethor's rash decision to send Faramir to hold Western Osgiliath against the hosts of the Enemy that outnumbered their own greatly?
I think that Denethor has lost all reason after the loss of his son Boromir. For crying out loud he sent his remaining heir on a suicide mission, in which was hopeless to come out victorious. I feel that Denethor should be relieved of his duties considering that he is not think straight right now. He is morning the loss Boromir his favorite child.
This book was perfect start with the same kind of action that we left off with the Fellowship. It may be separated. This journey is enthralling and action packed throughout the first 1/3 of The Return of the King.

Once Upon A Time

2011-11-09T11:22:00.000-06:00

I finally started watching the series Once Upon A Time that is airing Sunday Nights on ABC. I am happy that we(my wife and I) have a DVR. Is a DVR not one of the best inventions? My wife not even seeing the show until this morning, has been saying that it looks stupid an/or dumb. She watched the show while she was on the iTouch(as always). Mrs. GD said that the show was that as bad as she originally thought.

If anyone was wondering a quick synopsis of the series:Once Upon A Time centers on a woman(Emma) with a troubled past who is drawn into a small town in Maine by where son where the magic and mystery of Fairy Tales just may be real.

I am not a movie critic or anything, but I think that this series thus far has pretty good flow from one episode to the next. It also switches throughout he show between the real world(Maine..HA) and the Enchanted Forest. This show may be based fairy tales, but I would some youngsters to watch the show.

So far in the show the Evil Queen or Mayor whatever she is called. Is doing everything is her power to keep her(Evil Queen) happiness compromised. So yes I will continue to watch this show on Sundays or whenever I get the time to watch it.This show has an alternate history type of a feel to it as well. If this happened how different the future could have turned out. I hope that I have persuaded some of you to give this show a shot in the dark.