Saturday, June 27, 2009

Presidential Campaigns: From George Washington to George W. Bush


This book has more cheesy songs than the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy and any episode of Solid Gold combined! And focusing on stupid things like that and what Mort Sauer had to say about campaign finance reform is what made this book tedious at best.

That’s not entirely true. When the author stuck to the facts and not the factoids, the book was pretty good. And I had read one of the author’s later works (about the hobbies and down times of Presidents, which was actually pretty good). I think having waited to read this book during the election was a poor choice. I thought it would be novel. But, I have come to realized that in 50 plus elections, nothings really changed between Obama and McCain.

Shocked? Well, you shouldn’t. It’s not the first time a black male as run for the office. It’s actually the 5th! And McCain is not the first one to nominate a woman for VP. In fact, before Hillary, a woman ran for president with a black for VP in the 1880s! So much for “first time history in this year’s election!”

Now what really shocked me was that this is not the first time an administration has tried a bank bail-out plan. In fact, it’s happen at least twice. And guess what, neither worked and we ended up in a Depression. One around 1886 and then the big one in ’29. Frightening stuff.

And if it were up to me, I’d put a large sign on all our borders with the following sign:

“Abandon all hope, Ye all who enter”. Because, if it hasn’t been fixed in 230+ years, what makes you think either party is going do much to change that.

Monday, June 22, 2009

"The Murder of Roger Ackroyd"

WORTH CONSUMING!

This is my second foray into Agatha Christie. While I liked this book very much, I prefer the narrative flow of “Murder on the Orient Express” much better. By the discovery of the wedding ring, the book gets a little too wordy and I felt like I was reading Keats or worse, Shakespeare. I chalk this up to this being an early, early work of the author’s. (This had originally been a fear of mine as to why I hadn’t read Christie’s stuff yet- thankfully, it gets better within a couple of chapters)

But, I understand why this book had to be written from the first person and I appreciate this books twists and turns. And while this book has a wild ending as well as MOTOE, this ending was much more plausible.

I also would like to tout myself as having guessed who the murderer was by chapter 10. I was clueless about the subplots. But, I got the murderer of Roger Ackroyd just right!

Worth Consuming.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

"Star Trek Annual #3 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"






WORTH CONSUMING!

This is a rare gem. Normally, stories involving Scotty suck. Palin and simple. He’s just not a great lead character. However, this works. The story unfolds backwards, like the movie “Memento” and it makes for a very powerful story when you come to realize how deep Scotty’s relationship with his wife is- even though she is NEVER mentioned in either the series or movies.

I also appreciate the backstory between Scotty and the young crewman who dies in his arms during “Wrath of Khan”. To me, it’s always been one of those things you’d learn more about in the Director’s Cut. Turns out the crewman is Scotty’s nephew. When I saw that scene again on HBO Family recently, it made a lot more sense and was more powerful to watch.

Worth Consuming!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

"Star Trek Annual #2 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

This time around we know learn of James T. Kirk’s final mission as Captain of the Enterprise (prior to the film series). It’s very well written, but it doesn’t capture my interest as much as “last year’s” annual about the crew’s 1st mission. I guess seeing the crew come together and foreshadow events to come is a lot more memorable than watching the crew split-up.

Still, it’s worth consuming!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

"Star Trek Annual #1 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

This issue recalls the first mission of the Enterprise with James T. Kirk at the helm. It’s brilliant stuff. A must of any collector or fan of Trek. I got a little confused as to the aliens motive in this story- but it’s the understory of Kirk getting his crew assembled for the first time that makes this tale an essential read.

Worth consuming!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

"Murder on the Orient Express: A Hercule Poirot Mystery (Hercule Poirot Mysteries)"

WORTH CONSUMING!
This book is crazy! It’s my first foray into Agatha Christie- I’m hooked! But the way this book ends is wicked! Wild! And totally unbelievable! I love it!
Since it’s a mystery, I won’t get into spoilers. But if you dare to ride the Orient Express, be prepared for anything!!! Nothing in this book is quite as it seems.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

"Star Trek #56 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

The series comes to a close with a tale about the original crew! No Konom, Bryce, Bearclaw or Bernie! No closure! What a letdown!

The story itself wasn’t bad, but when you invest in 55 issues, you expect some closure.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

"Star Trek #55 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

The trail of Ensign Bearclaw comes to a close thanks to my personal favorite albino Klingon, Bernie! I enjoyed this storyline very much. It was heartwarming. And Kirk and Finn are like a couple of kids trying to get the best of each other.