Mike's notes from Oct 27, 2011
Book Boyz--
A big Thank You to Dave for hosting our harvest-time gathering. Paul punched in on time, while Christian and Mike filled out the quorum at 7:30. Beer, wine, grapes, burgers and other treats fueled a low-key discussion until about 9:30 when Morpheus began to beckon and an interloper appeared in the form of a woman.
Two out of three liked the stories in Resistance. Some noted how the main characters struggled to find self-acceptance and fulfillment within while actively resisting social forces outside. The stories revealed how many who believe in progressive, humanitarian values must turn inward over time to find joy in their own lives. We briefly talked about the need to liberate the soul from embedded anger and questioned whether or not it's possible these days to view political and reactionary enemies without anger. It's not.
Congratulations to Christian for taking on a second citizenship and to Paul for taking on a life partner. America is a better place for both acquisitions. And a belated Fright Night award goes to Dave for terrorizing Paul's former neurotic housemates. Thank god for 911.
Next time we’ll be looking at something by Jim Harrison—either a novel or one of his collections of novellas. We need to choose a work. Let me know your preferences for one of the following--or if you have a strong preference for one of his other works, just let me know.
The Woman Lit by Fireflies (three novellas): Review:http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/11/08/specials/harrison-fireflies.html
The English Major (novel): Review http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/19/books/review/Egan-t.html?pagewanted=all
Here’s the Wikipedia link for Jim Harrison (the writer, not the hockey player or Irish cricket player):
The Paris Review interview with Jim Harrison
Other bits:
Wingshooters: (Review) http://articles.latimes.com/2011/apr/25/entertainment/la-et-book-20110425
Russell Banks: Lost Memory of Skin: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/26/books/russell-bankss-novel-lost-memory-of-skin-review.html
Cloudsplitter: (Review): http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/02/15/daily/cloudsplitter-book-review.html
Breaking Bad (Wikipedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_Bad
American Obesity and Soda Pop:
American Obesity and Corn Syrup: http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S26/91/22K07/
American Stupidity: http://www.abytheliberal.com/internationalism/are-americans-stupid-statistics-and-research-data
American Ignorance: http://www.laprogressive.com/education-reform/americas-greatest-enemy-ignorance/2/
American gun ownership up: http://www.gallup.com/poll/150353/Self-Reported-Gun-Ownership-Highest-1993.aspx?utm_source=tagrss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=syndication
Jim Chen: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Chen
Robert Delahunty: (bio) http://www.stthomas.edu/law/faculty/bios/delahuntyrobert.htm
Daily Show Interview: Science, What’s it up to: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-26-2011/weathering-fights---science---what-s-it-up-to-
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