I don’t live in the Twin Cities, but Ms. Brataas’ book holds a lot of fun naturalist facts for those of us who are familiar with the northern climes. I don’t live in the Twin Cities, but Ms. Brataas’ book holds a lot of fun naturalist facts for those of us who are familiar with the northern climes. As the title states, this is an almanac, covering naturalist and outdoor stuff by way of her weekly column in the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
The back flap has a good description: “A reporter since 1977, Anne Brataas brings an academic background in environmental science, zoology, and the history of science to her nature writing. Her scientific grasp of the natural world makes for a fascinating read as she tells stories of animals, plants, geologic formations, glacial history, water resources, weather patterns, and ancient climates.”
A great example of Ms. Brataas’ writing can be found on p. 9:
“If you are tempted to put out your own snake board for Skink Awareness Day, keep in mind that female skinks are very aggressive and will bite if you approach their eggs. A better approach might be to simply send her a card or give her a box of spiders.”
Good nature writing with a generous amount of tongue-in-cheek humor. 4 stars ...more
I own 8-9 Miles Davis albums from ‘Birth of the Cool’ to ‘Tutu’, and while they often sound nothing alike, they are bound together by a common thread I own 8-9 Miles Davis albums from ‘Birth of the Cool’ to ‘Tutu’, and while they often sound nothing alike, they are bound together by a common thread of restless energy. Dave Chisholm has captured this quality in a wonderful book which just happens to be a ‘graphic novel’. (The horror!)
While I knew that Davis had a serious stroke, I did not know that as part of his physical therapy, he was tasked with drawing by his physician to help strengthen and regain the use of his right hand. Not only is Mr. Chisholm an excellent artist, he does a fantastic job of providing a coherent narrative. Much of the words Chisholm has chosen are Davis’ own culled from his autobiography. Years ago, I had tried to read that book, but had to put it down as I just could not get past Davis’ own actions. In short, he was a colossal asshole. ‘Search for the Sound’ does not sugarcoat those aspects whatsoever, but it is here that the graphic format really shines.
I want to say right now that Dave Chisholm is an EXCELLENT illustrator. The artwork is not only vibrant and well drawn, but also emotional and intense.
Davis is nowhere close to my favorite artist or even jazz artist, (I strongly prefer Mr. Coltrane, Mr. Parker and even Branford Marsalis to Davis’ work.) But over the years, I’ve been trying to move past the personal foibles of various talented artists to better understand and appreciate their music. Chisholm’s work may even persuade me to take another look at Davis’ autobiography. 5 star work by Chisholm....more
From the inside flap: “Nature is the first companion volume to the popular PBS television series.”
That statement neatly outlines the promise and the pFrom the inside flap: “Nature is the first companion volume to the popular PBS television series.”
That statement neatly outlines the promise and the problems that sentence entails. Considering that I’m writing this in mid 2024 and the show, ‘Nature’ has been on TV since October of 1982 tells you that it is a VERY popular show. Obviously, if you’ve been doing something successfully for more than 40 years, you must be doing a pretty good job. I personally love the program and try to catch it when I can. The 1st companion book to such a beloved series does a mostly great job in that regard.
Again from the front flap: “Author James Shreeve guides you on a journey that offers rare glimpses of polar bears, tigers, elephants, gorillas, the exotic marsupial family, and wolves.” In other words, there are 6 chapters delving into those topics with a very good level of detail.
My problem with this book is twofold: 1.) By and large, these chapters are almost exclusively devoted to what we now term as ‘megafauna’. The mostly big and photogenic mammals we are so familiar with; and 2.) The book’s age. It was published in 1987, and often shows.
One of the earliest episodes on the TV show involved a single fig tree in the jungle and all the interactions between the tree and the animal life that depended upon it. It was striking because it was one of the first times I think I ever heard the term ‘biodiversity’. Remember, this was in something like 1984 or something. I don’t recall seeing the word biodiversity anywhere in this book. Perhaps I have overlooked it, but I don’t think so. Considering the importance of interrelationships between various species as we now understand them, this is a big missed opportunity.
The 2nd problem with age related issues is confined to the final chapter on wolves. Over and over, we are treated to observations about ‘Alpha’ and ‘Beta’ relationships and subordinate wolves. As we now know, most if not all of those observations are myths. A wolf pack is most often simply a family relationship between the 2 parents and the younger offspring of the original 2 wolves. I certainly am not a wildlife biologist and don’t want to mischaracterize the work of those who are way more knowledgeable than I am about this subject. However I do know that the entire concept of ‘alpha male’ has serious problems.
Anyway, a lovely book with a couple of age related flaws. Still a fun read....more
My Mom is blind. Well, not 100% blind, but probably 95%. She has advanced macular degeneration that has been diminishing her vision for something likeMy Mom is blind. Well, not 100% blind, but probably 95%. She has advanced macular degeneration that has been diminishing her vision for something like 30 years. I’m functionally blind in 1 eye due to a detached retina, and have even been to the Mayo Clinic for treatment. In other words, I have a little background with impaired vision as well.
One of the interesting anecdotes the author describes early in the book was being accosted by someone stating: “...you’re not really blind! You can see me!” Yes, that is what partial vision is; we can still see, just not very well.
Mr. Leland’s philosophical journey explores his impending blindness as a result of retinitis pigmentosa (RP for short). He’s not totally blind, but his vision is getting worse and worse.
This is not a ‘how to’ book or ‘woe is me’ type of tale. I think it is more of a coming to terms with one’s life and limitations. In the case of Andrew Leland, he is forced to come to terms with his oncoming blindness. In many ways, his disability is much like any other disability. Leland speaks with compassion, understanding and humility. I think the best part may be the final paragraph:
“One night, my eyes felt totally spent, and I lay in bed with my glasses off. Lily was watching a video I was interested in, and I felt a surge of exclusion–I wanted to watch with her, but I just couldn’t bring myself to push my eyes to do any more looking that day. I started to feel a rising panic about the blindness to come, when I’ll no longer have the luxury of resting and resetting my vision. Before the feeling grew too large, I fell asleep. Early the next morning, I half woke as Oscar climbed into bed between us. I still couldn’t see much–my eyes take longer and longer to clear after I wake up these days. But I wasn’t in any rush to see; I found I already had in full the intimacy and unmediated experience of being wrapped in blankets and bodies... My love for Lily and Oscar and the life we shared felt in that moment full, unbroken, and utterly complete. I didn’t reach for my glasses until they’d both already gone downstairs.”...more
Asimov's final book, and it shows. Basically, this is everything you wanted to know about Hari Seldon whether you cared or not. It is actually a prequAsimov's final book, and it shows. Basically, this is everything you wanted to know about Hari Seldon whether you cared or not. It is actually a prequel to the establishment of the actual Foundations, so we get a lot of background. One of the major themes is actually Seldon trying to secure funding. Yes, it's as boring as it sounds. Another theme is that our Hari is a 'Twister'. No, he is not a professional party game aficionado, but rather a type of martial artist. I had a hard time accepting Hari Seldon as an action hero.
Anyway, no large overarching thematic ideas that we found in the original series, nor any serious revelations SAVE ONE. I won't spoil it, but I was happy to see an old character make a reappearance. It was enough to save this from a 3 star review. ...more
I was all set to knock a star off this review because the main character is such an insufferable twit. It's difficult to empathize with someone who haI was all set to knock a star off this review because the main character is such an insufferable twit. It's difficult to empathize with someone who has supernatural powers to determining 'what is right'. Good grief Asimov. Combined with his 'hot headed nature', the main character is what i would call, tiresome.
Anyway, the ending is excellent. I won't give it away, but I was very happy to see an old friend. Well done....more
It was fun going back to this one after more than 40 years. I think it's aged better than the 1st three simply because it was written in the 1980s as It was fun going back to this one after more than 40 years. I think it's aged better than the 1st three simply because it was written in the 1980s as opposed to the 50s. Yeah, the dialog is sometimes eye rolling, but that is the author, not the age of the book. In this book, he introduces us to 'Gaia'. I really enjoyed the concept and forgot how prescient Asimov was.
And yes, while some of the characters and dialog are clunky, the narrative is genuinely interesting and thought provoking. Looking forward to going on to "Foundation & Earth" next....more
This is an encyclopedia, and very typical of a DK publication. Really nice overview with excellent graphics. Gives a pretty good description of every This is an encyclopedia, and very typical of a DK publication. Really nice overview with excellent graphics. Gives a pretty good description of every major character, (and lots of minor ones too).
A good introduction, but not essential if you are already a fan....more
This series is one of the preeminent science fiction books of all time, so it is borderline unnecessary to do yet another review. Still, it's my revieThis series is one of the preeminent science fiction books of all time, so it is borderline unnecessary to do yet another review. Still, it's my review and I don't care. ;-)
Because this dates to the early 1950s, it also has a lot of late 20th century foibles in the dialog. Nevertheless, the concept is fabulous: Civilization is collapsing and one man figures out the science capable of reducing the catastrophe from tens of thousands of years to a single millennium. I would love for these books to be made into a motion picture. If it can be done for 'Dune', it should be certainly easier to do with 'Foundation'.
Anyway, if you are able to put aside some of the speaking parts of the characters and focus on the plot, the books remains incredibly strong. A fun read and trip back in time....more
Readable, but kinda gossipy biography of Sir Elton. A couple of errors that are not too bad. Example includes classifying Elton's tour date of Kiev (UReadable, but kinda gossipy biography of Sir Elton. A couple of errors that are not too bad. Example includes classifying Elton's tour date of Kiev (Ukraine) as part of Russia as late as 2020 when the book was written.
Lots of stuff about Sir Elton's personal life which necessarily focuses on his homosexuality. I had wished a little more info about the songs and songwriting process, though. He has a 50+ year recording career after all. A pretty good run down of his albums and where they fit in to his life at the time. However, I don't really care about the where the albums charted in Italy (or the USA for that matter). Nonetheless, a good, albeit breezy biography that is neither a hatchet job nor overly obsequious....more
It's been a long time since I first read these stories, but I thought it would be fun to go back.
Firstly, this is not a single novel, but rather a coIt's been a long time since I first read these stories, but I thought it would be fun to go back.
Firstly, this is not a single novel, but rather a collection of short stories tied together as a narration. Secondly, it is nothing like the Will Smith movie of the same name. That movie is more likely based on 'Caves of Steel'. And thirdly, although the writing is often dated and clunky, this is where 'The Three Laws' first appear. I won't elaborate on the Three Laws of Robotics here because others have done so for decades.
The key component to these stories is how Asimov incorporates the Three Laws into seemingly malfunctioning robots. Should we ever get to that level of artificial intelligence, I suspect that at least some variation of the Three Laws will be incorporated into the programing.
Often thought provoking after all these years regardless of the stilted dialog and sometime forced settings. A fun trip back in time....more
The very first Dr. Strange stories starting in July 1963 through February of 1965. Classic stories including the origin of Dr. Strange's 'Cloak of LevThe very first Dr. Strange stories starting in July 1963 through February of 1965. Classic stories including the origin of Dr. Strange's 'Cloak of Levitation'.
A special treat is the cover to Strange Tales #111... "How Can the Human Torch Defend Himself Against THE ASBESTOS MAN?" Not a word about mesothelioma, I'm afraid. ...more
I’m afraid I really didn’t enjoy this one at all. I was actually offended at how this played out because the entire concept is so fake. The general prI’m afraid I really didn’t enjoy this one at all. I was actually offended at how this played out because the entire concept is so fake. The general premise is that until this book, he had only been aware of half of the time he spent with Don Juan and the other apprentices. The other half of the time he had actually been using his ‘second attention’ and was therefore not aware of any of the time he spent while using his second attention.
I’m sorry, but no. Not only does he not discern the passage of time by either noticing a clock or watch or the changing of daylight, he does not realize that his extensive notes (that he is always referencing up to now) never happen to observe this feature. Unless Castaneda somehow is able to affect the passage of time (also never noticed or explained), the entire premise is just dumb.
Combine this with dropping in a whole bunch of weak, new characters, it just feels so forced. This was written in 1984, so it feels like Castaneda is pissed he missed out on L. Ron Hubbard’s Scientology grift. My feeling is that he is desperately seeking to create his own wannabe religion, just like Hubbard.
It wouldn’t be quite so bad if it wasn’t so boring. This book is dull. Here is a random passage from p. 189:
“None of these women were relatives–they just looked alike because of the enormous amount of personal power that don Juan’s benefactor had. Don Juan described the southerly women as being two mastodons, scary in appearance but very friendly and warm. The easterly women were very beautiful, fresh and funny, a true delight to the eyes and the ears. The northerly women were utterly womanly, vain coquettish, concerned with their aging, but also terribly direct and impatient. The westerly women were mad at times, and at other times they were the epitome of severity and purpose. They were the ones who disturbed don Juan the most, because he could not reconcile the fact that they were so sober, kind, and helpful with the fact that at any given moment they could lose their composure and be raving mad. The men, on the other hand, were in no way memorable to don Juan. He thought that there was nothing remarkable about them. They seemed to have been thoroughly absorbed by the shocking force of the women’s determination and by his benefactor’s overpowering personality.”
This isn’t terrible by any means, but it goes on and on like this for most of the book.
Finally, the entire concept of ‘The Eagle’ is just silly. It is sort of like Godzilla. He simply exists. Why an eagle? Why not a beagle? Or an aardvark? No one will ever know. ...more
While Edward Abbey is a genuinely interesting and talented writer, he was also something of a jerk as a human being. Will Byrnes recently reviewed ‘DeWhile Edward Abbey is a genuinely interesting and talented writer, he was also something of a jerk as a human being. Will Byrnes recently reviewed ‘Desert Solitaire’ which prompted me to go back and take a look again at ‘The Journey Home’. I was relieved that Will gave Abbey only 3 stars for that book because while I certainly sympathize with Abbey’s love of wildness and nature, I can’t stomach the casual misogyny and general ‘screw you’ attitude. It’s like the ick factor you note about your sweet grandfather who just happens to be a KKK member. You can’t just ignore the dark side once you’ve seen it.
The 1st problem is how he sees ‘wilderness’ as something of a walled garden where the great unwashed (those of us not named Edward Abbey) are effectively locked out. He is particularly incensed that a new (at the time) ski resort (Telluride) was being planned since we already have Aspen. For anyone who has traveled in Colorado or Wyoming, there is a LOT of wild land out there. Yes, much of it is privately owned, but if you are interested, you can find some pretty remote places that are wilderness, or very, very close.
The 2nd problem is casual misogyny. The entire 3rd chapter is devoted to Abbey driving his fiancé’s brand new Mustang through the Big Bend area of west Texas. “I pulled up the ‘No Road’ sign, drove through, stopped, replaced the sign.” (p 25) Not surprisingly, Abbey trashed the car to the point of inoperability. “The car, as I later heard, was salvaged by my sweetheart and her friends, but never recovered its original esprit de Ford. Nor did I ever see my fiancé again. Our permanent relationship had been wrecked, permanently. Not that I could blame her one bit. She was fully justified. Who could question that statement? All the same it hurt; the pain lingered for weeks. Small consolation to me was the homely wisdom of the philosopher, to wit: A woman is only a woman But a good Ford is a car.” (p 29) Har har; that’s a real kneeslapper.
The 3rd problem is that all things considered, Abbey is simply, a jerk. “Rumbling along in my 1962 Dodge D-100, the last good truck Dodge ever made, I tossed my empty out the window and popped the top from another can of Schlitz. Littering the public highway? Of course I litter the public highway. Every chance I get. After all, it’s not the beer cans that are ugly; it’s the highway that is ugly. Beer cans are beautiful, and someday, when recycling becomes a serious enterprise, the government can put one million kids to work each summer picking up the cans I and others have thoughtfully stored along the roadways.” (p 128) This isn’t funny even if it’s hyperbole. It’s just cringe. 3 stars ...more
Ho hum... another 5 star book by Sir David Attenborough. He has the unique ability to make the most humdrum interesting. "The author reveals to us theHo hum... another 5 star book by Sir David Attenborough. He has the unique ability to make the most humdrum interesting. "The author reveals to us the aspects of plants' lives that seem hidden from view, such as fighting, avoiding or exploiting predators or neighbors, and struggling to find food, increase their territories, reproduce themselves, and establish their place in the sun." There are only 6 chapters: 1.) Travelling; 2.) Feeding & Growing; 3.) Flowering; 4.) The Social Struggle; 5.) Living Together; and 6.) Surviving. Combined with the large number of excellent photographs, the book is remarkably short.
But take for example, the chapter on Flowering. On the 1st page of the chapter, he presents magnified photos of 12 different types of pollen from 12 species of plants from ragweed to sycamore. Each pollen grain looks nothing like the others. They are beautiful. In fact, all the photos in this edition are beautiful. He also covers the symbiotic relationship between plants and their pollinators. It isn't just bees, but a myriad variety of various bugs, reptiles and birds that depend upon one another.
I wish this book had been available to me as a pre-teen, as it would certainly appeal to a youngster wanting to know more about the natural world than what is in a textbook. I don't know what kid who isn't interested in learning about how the Venus Fly Trap digests its victims alive, for example.
Great photos and a superb narrative. Highly recommended....more
Mr. Martinez' "Divine Misfortune" is another fun romp, this time with various gods & goddesses doing their typical godlike stuff, namely, bothering huMr. Martinez' "Divine Misfortune" is another fun romp, this time with various gods & goddesses doing their typical godlike stuff, namely, bothering humans. I don't think this is quite as good as "Emperor Mollusk...", but that was terrific. This is just very good.
I won't reiterate the plot as others have already done a good job explaining the plot, characters, background, etc... So suffice to say, turn off the TV for a couple of hours and enjoy a breezy tale of gods, mortals, their foibles, and a happy ending. 4 stars....more
This is difficult to pick up and put down from time to time because there are a lot of different people to keep track. I would recommend reading straiThis is difficult to pick up and put down from time to time because there are a lot of different people to keep track. I would recommend reading straight through if you can as it is often hard to remember who is who.
Having said that, Baum has written a pretty good narration of how New Orleans actually feels in real life. New Orleans not just the Quarter.
As with much of the USA, you can look at New Orleans through the prism of race relations. Baum's protagonists are both white and black; rich & poor. A good mix. Katrina had a devastating effect on this city, but it was the profound lack of response by the federal government which is most infuriating. Baum gives a really good dive into that aspect of what happened in the immediate aftermath.
I'm taking "The City of New Orleans" from Chicago to New Orleans this coming October, and I can't wait to see it again since Katrina. Baum's book is a good way to take a vicarious look at a neat place. I would even recommend to folks who have not yet been. ...more
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