Comments for eptivity

Comment on Best of 2011: Books by eptivity

eptivity — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:04:26 +0000

I hope I’m not too late! I made a list at work today, as I thought of authors I like (not all history, but all non-fiction) (the titles are meant to be italicized instead of in quotes, but I don’t know how to do that in comments :) ):

History books I’ve been planning on reading, so I can’t personally comment on their readability, but I’ve heard good things:
“A People’s History of the United States” by Howard Zinn
“A Little History of the World” by Ernst Gombrich (actually written for children)
“Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong” by James Loewen
“The Wordy Shipmates” by Sarah Vowell

Assorted non-fiction:

Bill Bryson—my favorites are “A Walk In The Woods,” “A Short History of Nearly Everything” (mostly about the history of science, and quite long, but easy enough to read. I think there’s also an abridged/illustrated version), and “At Home: A Short History of Private Life.”

Elizabeth Gilbert—she wrote “Eat, Pray, Love,” but I liked “The Last American Man” better.

Malcolm Gladwell—three or four books about understanding success (but not in a self-help way—just interesting observations); my favorite is “What The Dog Saw.”

Mary Roach—interesting science-y things. My favorite: “Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers.”

You should have a chat with Brandon (Ward) next time you see him. He will tell you that you should read some Edward Abbey (“Desert Solitaire” is good) and Farley Mowat (I haven’t read these because I can’t find any over here!), and other good ideas. :)

Comment on Best of 2011: Books by Kimberly

Kimberly — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:17:15 +0000

That is an amazing amount of books you read. I’m in the same boat as Stephan. I was hoping you could refer me to some history books that are easy readers. I am trying to read more this year and do not want it to be all fiction. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Hope everything is going good.

Comment on London &c: Bath by Nalani

Nalani — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:55:11 +0000

My granny learned how to play the organ and/or piano at Bath Abbey :)

Comment on Guernica by Guernica Gernikara

Guernica Gernikara — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:04:47 +0000

Next April 26 they are fulfilled 74 years of Gernika’s bombardment. Paul R. Picasso formed this bombardment in throughout the world known picture “Guernica”, which a today has turned into symbol of the Peace and of the Human rights.

We ask for your adhesion to which we believe legitimate claim of moving definitively the picture, ” Guernica-Gernikara “.

http://www.guernicagernikara.net/home/?page_id=80

Comment on You Tell Me by eptivity

eptivity — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 21:48:37 +0000

Some people must have guilty consciences! I also like the part where it goes on to ask if there is anything further information we would like to volunteer that might indicate we are not of good character. Just in case they forgot to mention something we were guilty of.

Comment on You Tell Me by Marie

Marie — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:48:54 +0000

That is hilarious (and hazy)! Reminds me of the form Mike had to fill out for his green card, certifying that he was not an anarchist, terrorist, or mentally unstable. I tried to make a joke, saying that surely people do not admit to being mentally unstable! The INS agent did not find it humorous and assured me that yes, some people do!!

Comment on A Very Grave Decision by The Books List « eptivity

The Books List « eptivity — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 15:17:10 +0000

[...] also includes the 46 remaining books of the 101 Books list. Unfortunately, this sub-list is taking approximately forever to finish, because I [...]

Comment on A Little Behind Schedule by Aunt B.

Aunt B. — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 06:30:52 +0000

Some peoples favorite Aunts get old, forgetful and just plain can’t remember anything. Besides, it would look nicer on the card instead of me “adding” the year later.
Be nice to the committee. (Promise them anything)

Comment on La Alhambra by eptivity

eptivity — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:16:24 +0000

There’s a plaque on the wall next to it that reads “Cuenta la leyenda, que este Ciprés de la Sultana, fué testigo de los amorios de un Caballero Abenceuaje y la esposa de Boabdil.”

Too bad I don’t know anyone who speaks Spanish!

Comment on 2010 Closeout: Best Places by eptivity

eptivity — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 09:58:02 +0000

Me too! I think the archeological exhibit in the Undercroft is my favorite part. I’ve seen enough cathedrals now, they’re starting to run together.