text:
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67335082481656966802014-09-22T18:42:43.827-07:00The Reading ListNataliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-14236271652986795062014-09-22T18:41:00.001-07:002014-09-22T18:42:43.842-07:00Beloved

 Beloved – Toni Morrison
 <o:p></o:p>

 Sethe, a former slave, lives alone with her grown daughter, Denver, her two sons having run away years ago. Although their house once served as a way-station for escaped slaves, they now live in isolation except for the haunting presence of the ghost of Sethe's dead daughter. One day, an old friend, Paul D, arrives at the house. His presence drives out the ghost, and although Denver is reticent about the arrangement, Sethe hesitantly welcomes the possibility of creating a family. Shortly after, another girl mysteriously appears at the house who claims not to have any people or place. She merely calls herself Beloved, the same name of the ghost daughter that had been haunting the house since the time of her death. Sethe, Denver, and Paul D are at first drawn to the daughter, sister, or lover that has entered their lives, but as Beloved's presence grows stronger and more vital, their individual lives begin to unravel. With no other option than to confront the horrific past that Beloved brings with her physical presence, the individuals and relationships contained within the house start to crumble as they struggle to relate to this familiar stranger.

 <o:p> </o:p>"Beloved," by Toni Morrison, tells the story of heart-wrenching loss and desperate attempts to avoid further pain, further loss, or, if possible, both. Morrison alternates narration between characters, focusing on different histories and relationships and how they intersect. She also jumps between the current situation, past events, and memories, showing how the past leads precisely to the present. The variety of perspectives and timelines contributes a degree of uncertainty to the story, emphasizing how individual perceptions are limited by their singular understanding, but also legitimizing multiple interpretations of the same situation. At the center of the story, the characters each struggle to reconcile their own histories with their present circumstances. Morrison's characters suffer unfathomable pain and loss, resulting in actions and reactions that can only be deemed understandable considering the circumstances. Blunted emotions, distant relationships, and fierce independence are all means by which the characters protect themselves because suffering is always hiding just around the corner. "Beloved" offers a view of human strength and perseverance in the face of insurmountable obstacles that is simultaneously devastating and inspirational.

 This book was difficult for me to get into at first because I was confused by the story. I almost felt as though Morrison was making assumptions about my prior knowledge of the characters and their histories, and so I seemed to be missing crucial aspects of the story in the first few chapters. Eventually I realized this was not the case and that those crucial points would be revealed later in the novel. I would recommend reading this book when you have ample time to make progress (like a cross-country plane flight) so that the various timelines and perspectives come together to form a cohesive whole. Confusion aside, I loved this book. Yes, it was violent and depressing, but it gives voice to a part of history that often goes unacknowledged. Highly recommended.
 Nataliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-80353737016602174012014-08-15T19:50:00.003-07:002014-08-17T02:55:09.539-07:00Veronika Decides to DieVeronika Decides to Die – Paulo Coelho

 24-year-old Veronika leads a predictable life. She works in a library, rents a room in a convent, and goes to the same bars and meets the same type of people. Nothing has ever changed, nor is there any indication that it will change, so she decides to commit suicide because she has already experienced everything she can possibly experience in life. However, she realizes her plan didn't go as expected when she awakes in an ICU, then again a few days later in a notorious mental hospital. The doctors inform her that she has less than a week to live because her suicide attempt caused irreversible damage to her heart, so rather than the immediate death she planned for, she resigns herself to a few more days of not feeling, not experiencing, and not living. She quickly stops building barriers, though, as she learns that the world of the insane is one that offers liberation, freedom, and life. With no reason to do what others expect them to, the people she meets in the mental hospital pursue their impulses and passions without inhibition. Even as she faces her death sentence, or perhaps because she faces her death sentence, Veronika finally learns what it means to live.

 "Veronika Decides to Die" is another masterpiece from the ever-inspiring Paulo Coelho. Before addressing the "human condition" discussed in this novel, it is worth noting that Coelho explores several important tangible themes, including the stigma and stereotypes of mental illness, ethical concerns of treatment, and the politics of money. Discussing concrete examples of the impacts of injustice gives weight to Coelho's discourse on mental health by providing very real illustrations of how people live with the consequences of societal norms. Social justice aside, the novel explores the philosophical meaning of being "insane" or "crazy." As always, Coelho writes with validation, forgiveness, and liberation, offering reassurance that everyone has value in their individuality and hope that a better future is possible through the pursuit of passions and dreams. This book is fodder for hours of contemplation about why society acts the way it does and what that means for the individual within society.

 Although I find Paulo Coelho's books to be hit or miss, I absolutely loved this one. Mental health is a very prominent aspect of social work, so this book was very relevant to what I am learning in school. Several times I had to stop reading to consider the implication of something Coelho had just written, which is one of the highest compliments I can give to a book. There were a few times where I couldn't quite follow his reasoning and the argument was a bit murky, but overall, I think I would be able to describe his main points, and I agreed with them all. I also thought of several people who might gain something from reading this book, so I already have my recommendations lined up. If I'm already planning for someone else to read it, that should be reason enough for anyone to read it.
 Nataliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-11241871143819986152014-08-12T11:37:00.002-07:002014-08-12T11:39:09.139-07:00The Salmon of DoubtThe Salmon of Doubt – Douglas Adams

 This posthumous collection of essays, articles, interviews, and sundry quips and excerpts is a sampling of Douglas Adams' work from across his lifetime. In fact, it starts out with what is believed to be his first published piece of writing: a letter to the editor expressing anticipation and gratitude for his favorite magazine when he was 12 years old. Many pieces in the collection are articles or columns propagating his absurd yet astute philosophy and observations on how the world works. Others are essays or quick little thoughts, calling attention to the irritations of technology or the slight but significant difference between things like "fried eggs" and "Fridays." My personal favorite is an ode to Bach's Fifth Brandenburg Concerto, in which he eloquently attempts to describe the sheer inadequacy of words to capture the essence and art of music. Brilliant and beautiful, this is undoubtedly Adams at his finest, funniest, and most insightful.

 <o:p> </o:p>"The Salmon of Doubt" by Douglas Adams is a little tricky to review because the pieces included in the book are so varied, so instead I will just tell you why you should read it. Adams has long been one of my favorite authors because he is sarcastic without being cynical, and his jokes are incredibly clever. I was reading this book over a lunch break and although there were other people in the room, I was almost constantly chuckling with occasional bursts of outright laughter. His writing is characterized by his intelligent, bizarre, and profound observations that always manage to draw attention to things most often taken for granted (especially gravity). His ideas are so far out of the box that the box probably doesn't even exist in another universe, which makes his stories and characters unique in every way. Have I convinced you yet that you need to read everything he has ever written? Because you need to.
 Nataliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-11573914821509716502014-07-22T13:33:00.000-07:002014-07-22T13:33:05.283-07:00AlephAleph – Paulo Coelho

 Upon finding himself stuck on his spiritual journey, a famous Brazilian writer, knowing that his soul connects with movement, fills his life with a lengthy and erratic schedule of publicity events around Europe. The biggest of these commitments is traveling the 9,288 kilometers along the trans-Siberian railway in Russia, a trip of numerous stops and even more weeks that will test the patience, endurance, and stability of everyone in his traveling party. Shortly before leaving, his group of companions is joined by a strange woman, Hilal, who insists that she must travel with them because his soul is calling to hers. Without understanding what she means, the writer agrees to have her join the party. As they spend increasingly more time together, the writer begins to realize that she is a direct connection to one of his past lives, and to an event in particular that has haunted him through all his incarnations since it happened. Although some answers only lead to more questions, it seems as though his soul has finally found the impetus needed to overcome the obstacles in his spiritual path as he seeks to discover his past while also protecting Hilal in the present.

 "Aleph" by Paulo Coelho is a story of magic, time travel, reincarnation, and the patterns of behavior, choice, and life that persist through subsequent incarnations. Although not advertised as such, "Aleph" is a roughly autobiographical account of Coelho's travels during the same time period in which the story is set. This indistinction allows the story to be read as real without logic entirely taking over and denying certain aspects of the account as impossible. As always, Coelho finds a way to describe in simple yet stunning language the complexities of both spiritual disillusionment and awakening, giving voice to those feelings that evade expression due to an inability to capture and convey the essence of it. The physical journey of traveling through Russia by train takes on a secondary importance in the story, serving as more of a metaphor for spiritual growth than as the main element around which the story is told. The multifaceted experience of travel validates the various struggles and accomplishments that often come with encountering the unfamiliar, humbly offering hope and guidance for other travelers.

 I was more inclined to interpret "Aleph" as a work of fiction rather than an actual recounting of his travel experiences, but it was still a classic Coelho novel. In terms of his other work, I would say it falls somewhere between the best stories I've read by him and the somewhat-less-than-inspiring stories I've read by him. I can always find something to relate to in his stories, and I appreciate his emphasis on the journey – life is constantly changing and we need to grow with it rather than strive for perfection. Classic Coelho. If you're only going to read one book by him, then I probably wouldn't recommend this one, but if you're going to read multiple of his works, then this one could certainly be included.Nataliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-63246059805035582014-07-15T06:30:00.001-07:002014-07-15T06:30:07.895-07:00The Best American Travel Writing 2013The Best American Travel Writing 2013

 In this collection of essays, authors share their experiences of travel, which range from putting their lives in danger to literally following their dreams, and encompasses all the bliss, serenity, chaos, and awe that results from putting oneself in unfamiliar places. Often, all of these experiences happen on the same trip. Through adventures ranging from bushwhacking up the precarious mountains of Papua New Guinea, to an unfortunately authentic recreation of Dickensian London, to staying in exactly the same location with all the familiar surroundings, the learning and growth that comes from travel contributes to a deeper understanding of self, others, and the world. Whether describing in hilarious detail a trip to the dentist, respectfully observing generations-old traditions, or offering commentary on wild dogs running rampant in the city, this collection of essays provides enough variety in travel experiences to suit those who are comfortable with staying home and those with insatiable wanderlust.

 "The Best American Travel Writing 2013" was a compilation of pieces chosen by guest editor Elizabeth Gilbert. Her main criteria for inclusion was finishing a piece and not feeling a desire to travel to whatever place had been described, but feeling as if she had already been there. Reading these pieces with that perspective in mind certainly brought that experience to the fore. Each author write with their unique style and voice, and the collection of pieces offered a fairly balanced mix of observation of other cultures and traditions and personal reflection on what is gained, or lost, through travel. Not every piece appeals to every audience, though, which is bound to happen with an anthology.

 I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again, but anthologies are somewhat tricky to review because they cover such a wide variety of stories, styles, and purposes. Unfortunately, the amalgamation of travel experiences was not as immediately enthralling as I was expecting. The thing I forgot about travel writing is that it often includes nuances in language and geography that must be described in a roundabout way rather than directly translated, so I found myself caught up in details more than I would have liked, which meant losing perspective on the big picture of whatever essay I was reading. On top of doing this with individual essays, it happened in piece after piece after piece, making the anthology somewhat of a chore to get through. In fact, when I misplaced my bookmark and skipped 60 pages of the book, I continued reading without realizing this discrepancy until I finished and had to go back to the pieces I had missed. Individual essays about travel are certainly captivating and worth reading, but I may not read another whole book of individual travel experiences pieced together.
 Nataliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-28803854356880225672014-06-26T17:22:00.003-07:002014-06-26T17:22:46.415-07:00Ready Player OneReady Player One – Ernest Cline

 Wade Watts is in one of millions of people who live their lives through OASIS, the massive multi-player online reality. Through OASIS, Wade uses an avatar to attend school, make friends, and, along with thousands of others, search for the "Easter egg" hidden in the system's code. The founder of OASIS left a secret egg hidden somewhere in the OASIS virtual world that, once discovered, will grant full authority of OASIS to the person whose avatar accomplishes a series of mysterious tasks. To locate the egg, OASIS users must decipher clues, seek out hidden gates, and accomplish unknown tasks, all somehow related to 80s pop culture, the pet passion of the founder of OASIS. Working as his avatar, Parzival, Wade and his friends, Aech, Art3mis, and Shoto, compete and cooperate to discover the egg before it falls into the hands of the enemy, the Sixers. The Sixers are a fleet of corporate-sponsored avatars that have real and virtual advantages including cheats, backdoors, and money to support their efforts in reaching the egg. To maintain the integrity of OASIS, Parzival and his companions must outsmart and outmaneuver the Sixers in the most astounding battle ever to occur in OASIS.

 "Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline is an engaging and surprisingly, and pleasantly, thought-provoking novel. Perhaps most important to the success of this story is that Cline makes the world of virtual reality accessible (helpful for the non-technologically inclined) by explaining terms and repeating them throughout the story so the words become familiar and also have context within the world of OASIS. Constant references to iconic 80s movies, games and songs contribute to the sense of reality within a fictional world, and also allows readers to nerd out about special interests without any shame or embarrassment. The most interesting aspect of the novel is the interplay between the virtual world of OASIS and the real world in which Wade physically exists. Although Cline could spend more time philosophizing on the connections and disconnections between the two worlds, he does comment on what is gained and lost in each reality. Altogether, Cline crafts a captivating world within a world that encourages critical reflection on what aspects are most important and most essential to what it actually means to exist.

 Being unfamiliar with video games, this book was new to me in most ways, but still relatable and entertaining. I didn't feel left behind when Cline talked about systems and codes, and I recognized more 80s references than I thought I would. A few parts of the book felt somewhat contrived, but in general I appreciated his effort to recognize issues like race, gender, and sexual orientation and the different impact it has in the real world and the virtual world of OASIS. With enough action, nerdy references, and thought-provoking moments to keep a variety of audiences engaged, I would say this is a pretty good book. Worth the read.
 Nataliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-35601201055460235382014-06-21T06:58:00.002-07:002014-06-21T06:58:24.640-07:00Behind the Beautiful ForeversBehind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity – Katherine Boo

 Mumbai is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the world, heralding globalization, international interest, and the promise of a better future. Unfortunately, many of the people drawn in by hope and possibility instead find self-interested corruption that disparages communities, families, and dreams. Beyond the gleaming airport and shiny advertisements selling a "beautiful forever," thousands of people live on pavement or in ramshackle huts in the slum of Annawadi, struggling to survive in an "earn-to-eat" lifestyle. Abdul, as the eldest son and primary wage-earner in his family of eleven, first seeks meaning then settles for any small profit in his business of sorting and recycling trash. Manju, the first female slumdweller to attend university, strives to improve the lives of children in her neighborhood and also defy her mother by providing the free education promised by the corrupt slumlords with whom her mother associates. United, the potential political power of everyone living in poverty could possibly have an impact on Indian policy, but larger political decisions are more likely to be forgotten amid personal concerns and neighborly disputes. Life in the slums stands in stark contrast to the hope promised by the city; sometimes that hope survives, and sometimes it is overwhelmed, like everything else, by the sheer reality of life in the slums.

 "Behind the Beautiful Forevers" by Katherine Boo is a thoroughly documented accounted of life in poverty in Mumbai. Boo focuses on a small group of community members, and knows when to bring in other players to emphasize friendship, family ties, corruption, hope, or whatever other aspect of slum life to which she wants to draw attention. The story of Abdul, Manju, their families and the community unfolds over several years, which Boo condenses into a logical and uninterrupted series of events. Her narrative poignantly captures the sense of hope, desperation, and futility that accompanies life in the slums. Her reporting humanizes life in poverty as a series of daily occurrences and difficult decisions rather than an unfortunate and overwhelming set of circumstances. The overall effect of her narrative reporting results in an intimate portrayal of vulnerability without being overly intrusive, creating a story full of compassion, hardship, and the indomitable human spirit.

 This book is fabulous. However, the author's note comes at the end of the book and I would have preferred some kind of foreword to clarify the context. Boo's narrative style of reporting confused me early in the book because it easily reads as a work of fiction instead of a nonfiction account of life in poverty (Boo admits to paraphrasing and summarizing when recounting the internal monologue of people in the book). Which also makes for great reading. Her descriptions are vivid and detailed, sometimes graphically so, the people in her book have understandable and relatable motivations, and the storyline progresses clearly with no extraneous points. Easy to read, compelling, and fascinating.
 Nataliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-62285400656663887662014-06-17T09:29:00.002-07:002014-06-17T09:29:29.811-07:00The Language of FlowersThe Language of Flowers – Vanessa Diffenbaugh

 After a childhood full of unsuccessful foster placements, Victoria ages out of the foster care system to become emancipated, unemployed, and homeless. She lacks job skills, experience, and even a resume, but she does know the language of flowers. One of her foster mothers taught her that each flower conveys a specific message, giving Victoria a secret language with which to communicate when words don't work. Through a chance encounter, Victoria earns a job as an assistant at a small flower shop, arranging bouquets and centerpieces full of meaning in addition to aesthetic beauty. Her work with flowers also brings an unexpected connection to her past when she runs into Grant, someone she knew from her last foster placement when she was 10 years old. Grant's persistent presence dredges up memories full of regret, guilt, and shame about how her foster placement ended, and Victoria struggles to address her troubled past while also learning to trust people in the present. Her new reliance on and responsibility to other people threaten to overwhelm her, and she reverts to her old habit of isolating herself from everyone. Gradually, she learns forgiveness and trust, and starts over yet again with a life that has more stability, more direction, and more hope for the future.

 "The Language of Flowers" by Vanessa Diffenbaugh immediately establishes an emotional connection that remains unrelenting throughout the story. Looking objectively at the story, it is easy to feel protective and compassionate for Victoria, considering her life circumstances, but also easy to see how her actions hurt both herself and others. Diffenbaugh's characters encompass the full range of human emotion and response, and all her characters are continuously loveable and relatable despite that. Or perhaps because of that. Although the plot is somewhat formulaic and the ending is fairly easily surmised from early on in the book, there are so many aspects of the story that make this book unique. With such a strong emphasis on flowers, Diffenbaugh crafts her story with a language beyond words, adding dimension to her characters and enhancing the magic of her novel by perfectly capturing the clumsy inadequacy of words. The story is beautiful – emotionally, aesthetically, and poetically.

 I generally love reading books that have been specifically recommended to me for one reason or another, and this book absolutely follows that trend. Although the story was not complex, the characters were, and Victoria's development throughout the book was amazing and inspiring to follow. I did have some issues with timing (whole days and weeks just magically disappeared, or were repeated!), but that only matters if I'm being really picky about it. The whole concept of the language of flowers was new to me, and I loved learning the meaning of each flower throughout the story (and there's an appendix in back, so don't worry if they're not all defined in the text). Educational, emotionally gripping, and unique – what else could you want from a story?
 Nataliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-50075028913050571292014-06-11T18:09:00.001-07:002014-06-11T18:09:38.425-07:00Born to RunBorn to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen – Christopher McDougall

 Ultrarunning (any distance beyond that of a marathon) is a somewhat unusual sport with an unbelievably dedicated cult following. Nonetheless, ultrarunning shares many traits of mainstream sports including elusive superstars like the Tarahumara. The Tarahumara are a tribe of indigenous people living in treacherous canyons in Mexico (due to both geography and sociopolitical upheaval in the region) known for their ability to endlessly and tirelessly run the trails traversing the steep canyon walls. Despite unsuccessful attempts to integrate Tarahumara talent into mainstream Western races, scientists, distance runners, and enthusiasts alike remain undeterred in efforts to learn from Tarahumara tradition. Whether analyzing gait, replicating diet, or speculating about the "heart" of running, much can be learned from the generational talent of the Tarahumara tribes. As Christopher McDougall prepares himself for the race of a lifetime – a one-off 50-mile race between a handful of elite endurance runners and the most renowned tribesmen – he tells the story and legend of the most fundamental human trait: the ability to run.

 "Born to Run" is the sensational story of the peak of human ability in the most unbelievable circumstances. McDougall tells a lively story, integrating his own running triumphs and travails with legendary stories of runners suffering excruciating breakdowns and overcoming insurmountable obstacles. Although the stories often border on grandiosity (or spill over entirely), McDougall also roots his investigation in scientific endeavors and explanations. His attention to the technical aspects of training, nutrition, stride, and every other aspect of running that can possibly be analyzed is absolutely captivating for anyone with even the slightest interest in running. His tone throughout the book is that of the capable athlete who has accepted that he will never be elite, so instead he focuses on the love of the sport, infusing his descriptions with humor and sarcasm. The end result is enthralling, entertaining, and inspirational.

 This book was a bit hard to get into because McDougall's writing was a bit hard to swallow at times, but once I got about 50 pages in, it was almost impossible to put down. His approach to telling stories and overall tone were definitely the hardest parts about reading this book. He also makes some inaccurate statements. When discussing diet, he remarks that it would be best to "eat like a poor person," by which he means that people should eat lots of fruits, veggies, and whole foods (not the store). What it actually means to "eat like a poor person" is to eat lots of cheap processed foods full of sugar and fat. When I wasn't hung up on his writing, though, the book as fabulous. The stories about races, runners, and technique make running seem as riveting as it feels to me, and I really connected with the spirit of running that he describes throughout the book. Well worth the read, whether you run 50Ks, 5Ks, or not at all.
 Nataliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-22882072991193241402014-05-28T20:17:00.000-07:002014-05-28T20:17:19.915-07:00The Elegance of the HedgehogThe Elegance of the Hedgehog – Muriel Barbery

 Renee Michel is the concierge for an apartment building of wealthy and oblivious tenants in France. She molds herself to the expectations the tenants, responding promptly to the smallest beck and call to run errands, complete tasks, or perform other duties befitting a concierge. What she does not reveal, however, is her reflective and satisfying inner life, stimulated by contemplating philosophy, enjoying classical music, and performing her daily tea ritual. Paloma Josse, a 12-year-old resident in the same apartment building, similarly disguises her aptitudes and interests. Before reaching adolescence, she has already discovered that life is a lie that people dedicate themselves to perpetuating. Rather than grow into an adult who is complicit in the deception of life, she has decided to commit suicide on her 13th birthday. Paloma and Renee offer commentary on the habits of others while covertly pursuing their own interests until a new tenant arrives, which causes an unexpected intersection in their parallel lives. Kakuro, a foreign entity in every way, brings a new perspective to the apartment building by disrupting tradition and creating different possibilities. As a result, Paloma and Renee both find a new reality that challenges their previous ways of thinking and, despite the vulnerability and discomfort it may cause, encourages them to live honestly, openly, and fully.

 "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" by Muriel Barbery is almost as much a work of art as it is a novel. Every page is filled with exquisite prose. Barbery's descriptions are almost (but only almost) unnecessarily eloquent and detailed, vividly bringing to life the smallest task or most mundane setting. Amazingly, she never runs out of words. Throughout the book, she maintains the expressive tone of the story and characters by incorporating an unbelievably extensive vocabulary, which makes for entertaining and engaging reading. This is a book that cannot just be read; it must also be processed.

 I absolutely loved this book, though I had some difficulties with it at the start. The story is told from two alternating perspectives, and for a while I was convinced that it was the same character at different points in time, which was quite confusing. Once I figured out the characters, though, the rest of the book was heartbreakingly beautiful to read. On multiple occasions, I had to stop reading to think about what was written on the page, and I was always happy to do so. I would have been even happier to discuss it with other people. Books that spark both thought and conversation are incredibly satisfying. If nothing else, you absolutely MUST read her page-long description of drinking tea. I read it three times in a row, and that still wasn't enough. All around fabulous.
 Nataliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-24750054174185428852014-05-06T06:23:00.001-07:002014-05-06T06:23:03.671-07:00Cowboys Are My WeaknessCowboys Are My Weakness – Pam Houston

 In her collection of more or less autobiographical short stories, Houston shares stories about searching for adventure out West. From rafting a river at the highest recorded water level in decades, to winter camping in mind (and limb) numbingly cold temperatures, to hunting Dall sheep all across Alaska, these stories cover the entire range of the western mountain existence. Of course, stories of adventure often coincide with stories of love, and the added element of personal relationships increases both the excitement and the danger. More often than not, the stories are the same, and seeking love is as much a part of adventure as thrills are a part of intimacy. Whether caught up in the exhilaration that comes with living life to (and beyond) the limits or the whirlwind of new romance that destroys every aspect of a carefully constructed existence, these stories thoughtfully reflect on finding yourself, losing yourself, and reconstructing yourself through adventure.

 "Cowboys Are My Weakness" is an entertaining collection of stories about life at the limits. Pam Houston writes with bluntly accurate and witty honesty, daring to reveal patterns of behavior that perpetuate problems rather than solve them. Her tone helps convey the lessons of her stories because gentle, vague references of losing yourself for love more often obscure the subject matter, whereas direct statements drawing attention to problems help to identify and clarify what exactly is problematic. Her stories of love and adventure are sincere because Houston writes unapologetically and authentically with no pretense about having all the answers. Despite certain niches in subject matter and terminology (particularly as it relates to hunting, rafting, and other outdoor pursuits), the stories are relatable and understandable. Houston has a knack for finding misadventure and taking the reader along for the ride.

 There are a couple reasons I really loved this book. It was recommended to me by a friend who has excellent taste in books and can generally be trusted to provide quality reading material. The setting and content of the stories reminded me of my time working at camp in Colorado, biasing my reading of this book with always helpful nostalgia. And the stories themselves are engaging and entertaining retellings of adventures that are on the outer range of activities that I would consider doing (but for now, I'll settle for living vicariously). Not to mention the painful but healing self-reflection that comes with attentively analyzing these areas of life. Overall, I found the stories in this book to be funny, exciting, relevant, and challenging; a combination of characteristics that make for high quality reading material.
 Nataliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-63192686140163246472014-04-28T16:13:00.001-07:002014-04-28T16:13:29.374-07:00Girls At War and Other StoriesGirls At War and Other Stories – Chinua Achebe

 This collection of 12 short stories from the span of Achebe's writing career shows the diversity of experience in developing Nigeria. His stories address everything from the differential impact of free primary school education, to how men gain respect and reputation in the village, to how women behave during war. Each story offers a glimpse into the daily routines of village life, how dreams become expectations, and how reality lurks constantly out of sight with the possibility of either bringing to fruition or dashing those cherished hopes. One misstep and the village chieftaincy will be forever out of reach. One oversight and a girl can leave a neglectful home life and never look back. This collection of stories conveys the challenges, struggles, and miracles of life in rural Africa.

 Achebe writes simple stories, choosing to focus on daily lives and tasks of people living in a developing nation. However, simple stories do not necessarily mean simple interpretations. Achebe's stories emphasize the irony and discrepancies (and intersections) of personal choice, village politics, and national attitudes. He offers up routines and habits which, upon closer inspection, reveal discrimination, corruption, and the heartbreaking impact of living unknowingly in false hope. Achebe's attention to detail creates a world full of relatable characters, lively settings, and familiar struggles. Although he certainly draws attention to nuances in village life in Africa, Achebe's stories also highlight the struggles, victories, and defeats that everyone can relate to.

 I loved this collection of stories. Each story is quick to read, no more than a few pages, and creates an entirely unique world with characters, settings, and problems that are both familiar and foreign. His stories also reminded me strongly of village life in Peace Corps, so my perspective on this collection is probably biased by nostalgia. Although his stories focus on complexities and difficulties of village life in Africa, the stories are relevant in any setting. Each story tells the truth of the characters in the story, which is the most important aspect of each piece. Take each story at face value, digest it fully, and consider how it relates to your own life. Highly recommended.
 Nataliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-35221783860575204492014-04-25T04:15:00.001-07:002014-04-25T04:15:22.671-07:00I Am SubjectI Am Subject – Diane DeBella

 Women have a lot to offer and to learn by sharing their stories. Not the stories of how women are expected to be – those stories are repeated time and time again until they become a mindless repetition that numbs both the author and the subject. The stories women most need to share are the stories of their lives and struggling to cope with an unexpected reality. The experiences of women past are oddly reminiscent of the stories women continue to share amongst themselves today. Problems in the family contribute to problems in relationships, which all contribute to destructive coping mechanisms that may suffocate any possibility of recovery. One opportunity for breaking the cycle, though, is sharing stories to learn from the lives of other women. Part biography, part anthology, and mostly memoir, "I Am Subject" tells the story of the author that also happens to reflect bits and pieces (or entire segments) of the stories most other women share.

 In "I Am Subject," Diane DeBella integrates her story of being a woman with the stories and lives of women writers and also some of the students she has taught in her college writing courses. DeBella simultaneously explores and teaches how to make meaning out of adversity by learning from the experiences of others. She shares her own struggles and reflects on the similarities and differences between her life and the lives of other women writers and her students. Incorporating multiple perspectives emphasizes both the diversity and sameness of women's experience, which builds solidarity while also respecting individuality. The range of experiences DeBella explores also allows women to connect to her story in multiple ways. DeBella honestly and painfully demonstrates the multi-faceted lives of women by integrating all these different pieces and perspectives. The overall effect creates a story of admission rather than confession, which is humbling in its vulnerability and liberating in its truth.

 Perhaps my favorite thing about this book was the emphasis on personal narrative. Social work tends to pathologize human experience, but DeBella focuses on the story behind the problem, which needs unbelievable strength and courage to share so publicly. This book was hard to read at times for the way it related to my personal life, but because of that, it also had somewhat of a cleansing effect. When society would rather focus on the ideal image, taking the time to analyze difficulties, underlying motivations, and weaknesses offers acceptance and relief. Really, though, the best part about this book was the focus on personal story. It was a nice reminder that people can exist with difficulties without needing to label, diagnose, and prescribe because the fullness of human experience can never fit neatly into a box. Great book, I highly recommend it.
 Nataliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-4525913938360896792014-04-14T05:49:00.001-07:002014-04-14T05:49:50.362-07:00The Fault in Our StarsThe Fault in Our Stars – John Green

 At the age of 16, Hazel Grace Lancaster has terminal cancer. Her parents pulled her out of school three years ago when things were looking bad, but she made a miraculous comeback with the help of a drug that rarely ever produced positive results. Now she attends class a few days as week at the community college and also goes to Support Group in the Literal Heart of Jesus. One day, her Support Group friend Isaac, who is now blind due to cancer, brings his friend Augustus Waters. Hazel Grace and Augustus quickly become the kind of friends that blur the boundaries of friendship. They have shared interests in metaphors, novels, and trips to Amsterdam to visit a reclusive author who wrote a life-altering novel and then turned into a jerk. Hazel resists Augustus all the while, trying not to put him in a situation to be hurt when her cancer wins the ultimate battle, but love fights to be noticed just as much as cancer does. Suddenly and without hesitation, both love and cancer enter Hazel's life in a way she has never experienced before, and she accepts both as inevitable in her life story.

 "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green is a painfully honest novel of young love, young death, and the heartbreaking and inescapable consequences of poor timing. Green poignantly and humorously portrays the difficulties of terminal illness without emphasizing the associated hardships, problems, or pain. By turning insurmountable obstacles into daily routines, Green's characters demonstrate how to accept reality without being defeated by it. Green alternates between writing with a youthful perspective and one full of wisdom gained through a lifetime of experience condensed into a few short years, emphasizing the tragic irony of the story. Moreover, Green gives life to his characters without being kitschy or relying too heavily on pop culture references so that the youthful perspective feels more nostalgic and wistful than contrived. Perhaps the most important aspect of the story is that Green challenges us to face our own mortality. Facing the incongruence of early death amid a life full of love forces us to reconsider our own priorities in life and how to incorporate them on a daily basis so that each moment counts for its presence and not just its passing.

 This book is some combination of beautiful, sarcastic, cynical, inspirational, and eye-opening. As a young adult novel written from a young adult perspective, it makes for a very quick, but substantial, read. Green does not toss around characters, references, or situations designed to grab attention. Everything about his story is thoughtful and intentional. I felt challenged by how the characters wholeheartedly engaged with life and incredibly uncomfortable at being directly confronted with death and mortality, but these are important considerations that should be part of daily life for everyone and not just people with terminal illnesses. There were also quite a few tears shed on my part, so consider that your warning. Well worth the read.
 Nataliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-2407977711956159172014-04-05T04:42:00.000-07:002014-04-05T04:42:05.918-07:00HousekeepingHousekeeping – Marilynn Robinson

 After the death of their mother, Ruth and Lucille are left with their grandmother in the small town of Fingerbone. FIngerbone is small, insignificant town where everybody knows everybody else and nobody really has any secrets. Ruth and Lucille's grandmother is rooted to Fingerbone by loss: the death of her husband, and all three of her daughters moving out. Following the death of their grandmother, Ruth and Lucille are raised by two dotty great aunts for an interval before their aunt Sylvie, their mother's sister, returns to Fingerbone to take care of the girls. Sylvie returns to the small town surrounded by whispers about a mysteriously absent husband and a past full of transitions. Initially, Ruth and Lucille are almost overbearing in their welcoming of Sylvie because they want her to stay. Gradually, their patterns of life gain some semblance of expectation, but Sylvie's expectations differ drastically from Lucille's. Ruth watches as their haphazard family falls apart from the inside out, irreversibly altering her notion of what it means to have a home, be a family, and live according to the expectations of others.

 "Housekeeping" by Marilynn Robinson tells the story of living outside social norms while existing physically in the midst of social structures, expectations, and interactions. Told from the reticent perspective of Ruth, Robinson constructs a story and cast of characters that challenge the notion of home more by suggestion rather than direct action. The mere fact that Sylvie exists threatens to undermine the pattern of life in Fingerbone, demonstrating how fragile the notion of "home" really is. Through her writing style and characters, Robinson makes observations that are so subtle and accurate that they might go unnoticed by those who are caught up in typical notions of family. Every line seems carefully crafted to express the perspective of people and things that exist on the periphery. Robinson also challenges the dichotomy of home and wilderness, blurring the boundaries of separation so that it no longer seems desirable that they exist in opposition. The woods, the lake, and the train are all essential elements of life in Fingerbone, but Ruth and Sylvie give new meaning to these long-standing structures. Robinson emphasizes how accidental actions and subtle observations can have more power in their lack of intention than any purposeful reaction to deconstructing social norms.

 Something about this book just feels right. The characters, though relatable, are not exceptionally remarkable. Same for the setting. The novel in its entirety has an air of understated but incredibly compelling veracity. It was also interesting to read from a social work perspective because I can see how, from the outside, other people would have to step in to reinforce expected behavior, so I appreciated hearing Ruth's story from her perspective. Give this book a try. It might seem a bit unusual, but if it doesn't spark some long-buried need for movement/wandering/change/insert preferred word here, then I'm not sure you are human.
 Nataliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-65350970445708969092014-03-26T04:31:00.002-07:002014-03-26T04:31:16.208-07:00AllegiantAllegiant – Veronica Roth

 After overthrowing the Erudite leadership, the factionless implement a new leadership system that strongly resembles the previous system in that it denies freedom of choice to the people in the city. Influenced by the video urging the people in the city to find a way to get outside of the fence, Tris and Tobias join a group of rebels determined to push the outer boundaries of their knowledge and existence. What they find beyond the fence is shocking, confusing, and just as concerning as what is happening within the limits of the city. A bureau of experts has been monitoring not only Tris and Toabias' city, but many other cities as well. When the rebellion in the city threatens the stability of the bureau, the bureau threatens to take drastic action to maintain the status quo to the detriment of all the residents in the city. To avoid the destruction of their home, Tris, Tobias, and their group of supposedly loyal friends, make hurried plans and spontaneous decisions to subvert the actions of the bureau. With so many variables, establishing a plan with any kind of certainty is impossible, so Tris and Tobias must move forward based on assumptions, hope, and a dream of what the future might be.

 "Allegiant" continues the pattern that Veronica Roth laid out in the first two novels of the series. The book moves unbelievably fast, each chapter is filled with unexpected plot twists, and the story has so many complex layers of uncertainty and half-truths that it is difficult to keep track of what is happening. In addition to adding new characters, relationships, and challenges, Roth also continuously broadens the perspective of the story. In the first novel, Tris moved outside her own faction. In the second novel, the city becomes the main level of interaction. In the third novel, the story moves outside the boundaries of everything that has been known up to this point. Tris moves through all these levels of relationships while maintaining integrity in her actions and singularity in her vision despite the changing landscape. By continuing to change the setting and level of interaction between characters, Roth emphasizes the importance of the big picture.

 As interesting as the third book was, I also found it a little difficult to keep track and make sense of what was happening. Roth introduces so many new characters and plot twists that not only are the characters in the story unable to have any sense of certainty, but I also felt that as the reader, I was unable to wholly connect to any one piece of the story. Additionally, she changes the narration of the third novel and alternates between the perspectives of Tris and Tobias for different chapters, which was very confusing to me for probably the first half of the novel. Uncertainties aside, I did find "Allegiant" to be a compelling novel because it serves as a reminder not to get too comfortable with what you think you know. Very interesting, very fast, and very exciting.
 Nataliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-74987601783713792202014-03-08T07:08:00.001-08:002014-03-08T07:08:41.672-08:00InsurgentInsurgent – Veronica Roth

 In the second installment of the "Divergent" series, Tris finds herself in the midst of an uncertain revolution in which all sides clamor to take the lead. Tris and her companions wander around between factions, trying to seek shelter and build alliances for overcoming the threat of the Erudite. They rest and recover with Amity, network with the factionless and Abnegation, and seek information from Candor. Tris also learns about the Erudite when she turns herself over in an attempt to save others. As a result, Tris becomes familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of each faction, but she feels less and less certain about who to trust and what the end goals of the revolution really are or should be. In the end, she follows the example of her parents, who fought for freedom of information, and Tris sets out with the most unlikely allies to recover and release the information that will change the lives of everyone, regardless of their faction loyalties.

 "Insurgent" is a perfect continuation of "Divergent" because every chapter is quick to read and ends with some kind of cliffhanger, making it ridiculously hard to put this book down. Roth moves the story along swiftly by writing completely unexpected plot twists, which are usually the cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, though some show up in the middle of chapters as well. Sometimes the cliffhangers effectively prompt continued reading, sometimes they are heavily foreshadowed (and therefore somewhat less unexpected), and sometimes they lack the full enthusiasm of a cliffhanger. Despite the variation in quality, the cliffhangers and pace of reading make "Insurgent" an exciting book. Roth also spends more time focusing on the differences between each faction, which develops the individual characters, the whole society constructed by the factions, and the storyline of the series. Through Tris, Roth shows how the traits of each faction can be both a strength and a weakness, and how the differences combine (or not) to (de)construct a society. She evaluates these traits without passing judgment, showing that good and evil are part of human nature and the social condition. "Insurgent" offers a bit more depth, a bit more development, and just as much compulsion for reading.

 Overall, I enjoyed "Insurgent" a bit more than "Divergent." "Divergent" is the beginning of the series, and requires introductions to characters and storylines. "Insurgent" offers more depth and development, adding complexity to the story. It also has slightly less violence and slightly more cooperation, which I appreciate greatly. I also felt that "Insurgent" provided more moments for critical thought and reflection by pointing out all the ways the characters and factions are both good and bad, as well as the plot twists of the overarching goals of revolution, and who to trust and why. Excellent considerations for how to relate to people, how to build alliances, and how to establish trust and integrity. Again, I find myself pleasantly surprised by Roth's ability to do something different with young adult dystopian novels, and I also find myself eager to read the last book of the series.
 Nataliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-56620874686248949512014-02-22T18:52:00.002-08:002014-02-22T18:52:33.348-08:00DivergentDivergent – Veronica Roth

 Tris lives in a world with clear boundaries and expectations. Five factions share the city, each characterized by a specific trait. Amity seek peace and harmony, Abnegation put all others first, Dauntless have bravery and courage, Candor embrace honesty, and Erudite seek knowledge. Children grow up learning the lifestyle of their faction, but they all take an aptitude test to help them decide which faction they will spend the rest of their life in. Tris' test results are ambiguous, making her Divergent. Though no one will clarify what this means, she knows it is a threat and must be kept secret, so Tris chooses to be Dauntless, and excels at the initiation training for her new faction. However, her awareness of difference heightens her ability to detect subtle behaviors that don't quite match up with expectations. Unfortunately, Tris realizes the threat too late, and by the time she figures out that someone has been making secret plans, factions have already collided to throw the city into panic and chaos. With no certainty as to who is an ally and how to stop the rebellion, Tris throws herself into battle fighting for the only thing she believes in – protecting the people she loves.

 "Divergent," by Veronica Roth, is an incredibly fast-paced book. Chapters are short and easily digestible, making it almost impossible to read one at a time. Although most of the book focuses on Tris' training as an initiate into the Dauntless faction, it never seems dull or tedious. Roth adds enough variety to move the plot along quickly while also developing characters and storylines that I assume will have much more significance in future books. She also leaves enough questions unanswered to encourage continued reading based on sheer curiosity. Although "Divergent" has overtones of series like The Hunger Games, Ender's Game, and even whispers of Harry Potter, and some of the plotlines, especially the love interest, are entirely expected, Roth has contributed an innovative novel to young adult dystopian reading. Some plot twists were heavily foreshadowed and were thus more or less predictable, but Roth also throws in enough blind curves to keep the storyline surprising and engaging throughout the book.

 I was pleasantly surprised by "Divergent." I thought I had read enough young adult fiction to be able to accurately predict the ending of a book based on the first few chapters. In a way, I still managed to do that with "Divergent," but there were enough unexpected and surprising events that I was hooked throughout the entire book. However, I had a hard time with the level of violence. Let's face it – I would undoubtedly by in Amity, which is the polar opposite of Dauntless. Occasionally, I felt the level of detail describing fights and injuries was a little unnecessary. In general, I remain pleasantly surprised – both because Roth was able to do something new with young adult dystopian fiction and also because I was sucked in by the pace of the books. Fun reading for sure.
 Nataliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-39512995900227137432014-02-09T17:00:00.002-08:002014-02-09T17:00:41.602-08:00The Book ThiefThe Book Thief – Markus Zusak

 Death spends a lot of time in Germany during WWII, helping souls leave their bodies when the time comes. However, Death does not just watch and wait for souls, he also observes life. One of the lives that happens to catch his attention is that of Liesel Meminger, the book thief. Death had taken her brother when they were on the train to their new foster family, and he watches Liesel as she settles in to her new life. Slowly, she learns to participate in life on Himmel Street by loving her parents, making new friends, and stealing when necessary. Suddenly, Max, a Jew who has been in hiding for years, shows up at the door to her house requesting help. Without a question, Max is given a home, albeit a small and cold one hidden in the basement, and as Liesel learns to live her life, she also learns to share it with Max. Her heart grows to encompass new people, a sense of right and wrong, and a determination to follow her own path. Death is watching all the while, for this is Germany during WWII, and when he comes, Liesel must learn again and again how to adapt and grow.

 "The Book Thief" is a unique and original novel, and not only because it tells the story from the perspective of Death. The story focuses on a young girl as the main character, giving weight and value to her experiences, opinions, and impressions. By recreating such a devastating time in history from both the perspective of Death as well as the eyes of a child, Zusak creates a poignant, humanizing, and heart-wrenching narrative of coping and struggling to overcome obstacles in life while also facing daily tasks and challenges of adolescence. The story also takes on life of its own because Zusak paints with his words. Not only does Liesel use words to recreate outdoor realms for Max in the basement, but Max reconstructs her tales into stories and dreams while the whole existence of Germany suffers constant upheaval so that it becomes practically impossible to separate fiction from reality. This is a musical novel, an artistic novel, or the novel reimagined. It is anything, as long as it is not just a book because words have so much more value and life than just being letters on a page.

 There are a couple reasons I really enjoyed reading "The Book Thief." I loved the unique perspective, because I have not encountered previous stories that were simultaneously so relatable and humbling by having Death as the narrator. I loved it because Liesel was the main character and youth so rarely holds authority. I also loved it because of the wordplay, but this is not the same wordplay as Douglas Adams or Vladimir Nabokov. Zusak makes music from words, but this is a sentimental story and a painful topic, and beautiful wordplay is very different from the ridiculous wordplay more frequently encountered in novels. But that is a pretty small complaint for such a hugely compelling story. Definitely read this one.
 Nataliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-32049936296873247182014-01-15T19:29:00.002-08:002014-01-15T19:29:44.363-08:00Fermat's Last Theorem: Unlocking the Secret of an Ancient Mathematical ProblemFermat's Last Theorem: Unlocking the Secret of an Ancient Mathematical Problem – Amir Aczel

 In Fermat's prolific life as a mathematician, he produced many theories and theorems, the most puzzling of which came to be known as "Fermat's Last Theorem" due to the longevity of the mystery. In a margin, Fermat wrote that an+bn=cn cannot be true for any value of "n" greater than 2 (those are supposed to be exponents), but because of the space of the margin, he could not write the proof that supported this statement. Aczel traces the history of Fermat's Last Theorem throughout the whole history of mathematics, outlining the developments in math that occurred before he wrote his theorem, and how it evolved after his death until the theorem was finally proved to be true almost 350 years after Fermat first wrote it. With brief biographies about each of the great mathematicians who helped expand the word of math and descriptions about how their theories contributed to the understanding of Fermat's last theorem, Aczel outlines the various circumstances that lead to this tremendous achievement.

 "Fermat's Last Theorem" is certainly an intriguing story because it was a puzzle left unsolved for centuries despite relentless pursuit by mathematicians in every generation following Fermat. Aczel effectively hooks the reader at the beginning of the book by describing the breathless and expectant atmosphere when Fermat's Last Theorem was finally proven, then proceeds to outline the mathematical history that made it possible. The evolution of math itself is a surprisingly compelling story the way Aczel tells it. Notable figures in the history of math were not only brilliant and revolutionary in their contributions to the field, but often lead personal lives that were as intriguing as their theories. However, the descriptions of the mathematical theories needed to solve Fermat's Last Equation were not as compelling. Rather, they seemed unfortunately reminiscent of stereotypical math that confuses more than it clarifies. Although Aczel is adept at telling the history of math, his explanations of math processes left something to be desired.

 As I tried to explain this book to various people, it invariably came to some statement about how "it's really interesting, but I won't remember any of it." Someone responded by saying that he "doesn't explain math for the everyday idiot," and unfortunately, I agree with this sentiment. The history of math was surprisingly interesting, but I couldn't tell you anything about Fermat's Last Theorem except that it was finally proven to be true. I was stuck for a few minutes trying to discern the difference between integers, numerals, and numbers, and when it finally came back to numbers, there were even more to consider: rational, irrational, ideal, and so many more. Aczel seems to be making a lot of assumptions about the people reading this book. While the history is interesting, the math is not. Perhaps a different book would more adequately explain it.

 Nataliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-56244412208919752322014-01-07T14:10:00.002-08:002014-01-07T14:10:44.332-08:00Moving Beyond WordsMoving Beyond Words – Gloria Steinem

 Through a collection of six essays that could each be their own book if they had a little more room to expand, Gloria Steinem addresses some of the most essential definitions and assumptions of what it means to be both a woman and a feminist. Steinem starts with a gender-bending reconception of Freud's life and theories ("What if Freud were Phyllis"), which is followed by an in-depth interview with the world's strongest woman, finding femininity and personal strength in the world of bodybuilders. She addresses a blistering essay toward the advertising industry for buying out women's magazines and filling them consumables and editorials rather than pressing news and important products, and also discusses class differences within feminism and the importance of revaluing women's economic contributions. She ends the book with an essay on aging, coming to the conclusion that the most radical act of rebellion is to accurately portray reality. Each of these essays is united by a theme of redefining empowerment, reclaiming women's value, and embracing change in the face of difficulty and uncertainty.

 Steinem is an honest, thought-provoking, and inspiring writer. Her essays have a casual and relatable tone which gives her writing an intimate and genuine feel, but she also conveys information from a perspective of understandable anger that borders on rage without ever coming across too strong. She has no presumption other than the belief that all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. While she writes to the universal experience of woman, she also constantly remembers the differences of class, race, culture, and other identity categories. The content of her essays varies as much as her own experience, and she somehow finds a way to make even census categories and paying taxes infinitely more interesting than they sound. With wit, insight, and respect, Steinem draws attention to basic, daily rituals and interactions that undermine the inherent dignity of an entire group of people and offers her own perspective, based on her own experience, on how to live in a way that counteracts these effects. Steinem writes persuasive and logical arguments that provoke both thoughtful and emotional responses.

 Reading Gloria Steinem was fabulous for a couple reasons. I have never read anything by her before – or if I have, it has been too long for me to remember – and her essays were a nice reminder of why I believe in the possibility of change. She draws attention to so many things that I either take for granted or don't notice at all, and it is important to be redirected to notice the ways in which injustice persists. She speaks to and for women with a humble understanding that she could never accurately convey or capture the experience of each individual, making her writing all the more relatable. Certain essays were more compelling than others, but if Steinem's writing can make me interested in economics, then she is a pretty amazing author. All of these essays are well worth the read.
 Nataliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-57253780613764621772013-12-28T09:18:00.001-08:002013-12-28T09:18:37.800-08:00Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – J.K. Rowling

 In the final book of the series, Harry leaves school with Ron and Hermione to chase down He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named based on vague instructions from Dumbledore to search for objects in which Voldemort has hidden pieces of his soul. Frustrated with the lack of honesty and clarity in Dumbledore's instructions, Harry becomes disheartened as he realizes that Dumbledore was not infallible. As the search party stalls in the fight against Voldemort, they stumble upon the Deathly Hallows, a collection of enchanted objects that, when combined, make the possessor master of death. In a race against both enemies and time, Harry struggles to figure out whether Dumbledore meant for him to destroy Voldemort in a systematic search for hidden objects, or to overpower him by collecting Hallows. In reckless and daring acts of defiance, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and a significant number of their friends and allies, pull together in the final stand against Voldemort, balancing everything they know with everything they can guess at to defeat the most powerful Dark wizard of all time.

 "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" is the ultimate culmination of the Harry Potter series in every sense. Not only does it revisit every important instance, character, and setting in all of the books, it also uncovers and unites all the relationships, alliances, and themes presented in the series. The entire book almost serves as a climax for the series because every turn of the page presents new and startling information, calling into question everything that was previously known or assumed about the wizarding world. Rowling's plot twists emphasize the need for trust and teamwork due to the inability of an individual to grasp the overall picture. Voldemort stands as the recluse among his followers, unwilling to trust and unable to love in his pursuit of power, while Harry, despite sharing characteristics with Voldemort, represents the struggle to overcome individual wants in favor of collective needs. Throughout the series, Rowling shows how to learn and grow through relationships, push limits, and overcome unbelievable hardships in order to overcome public and private enemies.

 I cannot say it enough that Harry Potter is the most amazing book series ever written. Not only has Rowling thoroughly researched and planned every aspect the series, but she also writes with the imagination and passion required to create and bring to life all the details of the wizarding world of Harry Potter. There are some inconsistencies throughout the series (the thestrals were not present at the end of the fourth book, but suddenly appeared at the beginning of the fifth), but the series overall is imaginative, cohesive, and constantly evolving as Harry grows up, learns, and meets new people and challenges. Each rereading uncovers new interpretations and understandings. The Harry Potter books cannot be individually separated from the series; they must be read together. This series is indisputably fabulous. READ THEM.
 Nataliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-5567907126276018192013-12-24T21:56:00.002-08:002013-12-24T21:56:55.457-08:00Runners on Running: The Best Nonfiction of Distance RunningRunners on Running: The Best Nonfiction of Distance Running – Edited by Rich Elliott

 Addressing everything about running except technique, this anthology looks at the whole experience of what it means to run and be a runner. Split into sections such as "spirit," "race," or "heart," this anthology is a collection of pieces written by and about runners about preparing, racing, recovering, and enduring. Some pieces talk about records, whether that means reliving the exhilaration or the first sub-four minute mile or reaching past personal limits. Some recreate definitive races in the history of running that propelled the sport into national attention or set records that stood unchallenged for decades. Others reflect on the experience of running, vividly recalling all the aches, pains, and injuries as well as the clarity, calm, and focus. Across the diversity of writings, the whole book is united by the undeniable universality of running.

 "Runners on Running" beautifully captures the inherent paradox of distance running. Running is and always will be a solo pursuit, but the triumphs and travails of the runner are inextricably connected to personal and community relationships. Several of the articles focus on one runner or one race, resulting in narrow and specific subject matter, but due to the common experience of running, the story of the individual still applies in the broader context. Elliott also carefully selects articles to cover the history and breadth of running as a sport. One article focuses on a runner who became a political prisoner, one begins its story in the early decades of the 1900s, and another tells the story of a woman who ran the Boston Marathon when women were not allowed to participate. The pieces included in the anthology offer so much depth and detail about running that it is impossible to read the collection and not feel moved, either by an interest in the sport or a motivation to run.

 This book starts off with a strong hook by focusing on the "spirit" of running, which was one of the more universal sections in the book. Reading these stories perfectly echoed how I feel when I run. Then the collection shifts toward more of a focus on individual runners, races, or records of some sort. While these stories are captivating, they are also intimidating. In the introduction to the anthology, Elliott talks about his inclusion criteria for the articles he selected for the anthology, and he admitted that he has a strong sense of competition, which shines through so strongly in the pieces that it is almost like looking at the sun. I felt just barely vindicated with one marathon under my belt. This book might need a disclaimer that it is only for serious and long-distance runners. Despite the competitive attitude, this was a fantastic book to read because it gave me so much more information on the sport. If you enjoy running, you should definitely read this book. If you aren't currently a runner, at least read the first section.
 Nataliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-39283393049298034982013-12-12T14:04:00.000-08:002013-12-12T14:04:11.827-08:00The Bone BearerThe Bone Bearer – Lani Wendt Young

 The third book of the telesa trilogy culminates in an even less normal life than the one Leila was already struggling with. After her adventures in Tonga, Leila finds herself possessed by Pele, the original fire goddess. Pele was spurned by the telesa after stealing the gifts of other women in the sisterhood, and ultimately gathered too much power to be contained in one body and suffered for centuries as a tormented spirit. Now Leila finds herself "hosting" Pele, and neither she nor her friends are happy about that. Unrecognizable in every way but appearance, Pele behaves in ways that drive Leila crazy, infuriate her boyfriend Daniel, and confuse her rag-tag band of telesa friends. While Leila's friends are concerned about Pele's behavior, they are not the only ones to notice the change. Telesa covenants from around the Pacific have gathered in Samoa to try to band together in an effort to finally deal with Pele. Between Leila, Pele, her friends, and the telesa traditions, the stakes are high and tensions higher as different parties work with and against the greatest threat the telesa have faced in a millennium.

 "The Bone Bearer" by Lani Wendt Young is a continuation of the telesa trilogy in every way. It expands the mythology of telesa by deepening the understanding of the Samoan legend and incorporating traditions from Fiji and Hawaii. As in her other books, Young's descriptions of restaurants, locations, and places are as relevant as ever because they all exist in Samoa. Her attention to detail gives legitimacy to a reality that is so often passed over in pop culture because Samoa is so small it hardly registers anywhere outside its borders. However, as in her other books, Young's writing hastily recreates pop culture and mixes it with cultural traditions, which can be a successful combination, but not always. Aside from numerous grammatical and spelling errors, she writes with heavy overtones of Harry Potter and Twilight, with notes of Hunger Games, Fifty Shades, and various other pop references thrown in. Although this adds to the relevance of her writing, she seems almost unapologetic in recreating a pop culture and trying to combine it with traditional culture. The story, the writing, and everything about the telesa series seem hasty and rushed rather than thought-out and planned.

 "The Bone Bearer" seems like a mash-up of every other young adult trend. As I was reading the book, I found myself predicting what would happen based on patterns in other young adult novels, and was unsurprised when my predictions came true. I also found myself correcting her grammar and rewording her sentences as I was reading, which distracts from the plot. This book also seemed dominated by anger, so that themes of love and optimism would have been lost had they not been blatantly stated at the climax. Despite the difficulties of reading the telesa novels, I absolutely love them because they are set in Samoa and based in Samoan culture and legends. Now that I am somewhat removed from Samoan life, I appreciate these books even more because I appreciate the culture so much more. These novels are not great, but if you have any ties to small islands in the Pacific ocean, they are worth reading.
 Nataliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733508248165696680.post-26468742864354048132013-12-07T12:52:00.001-08:002013-12-07T12:52:54.908-08:00Non-Violent CommunicationNon-Violent Communication – Marshall Rosenberg

 Non-violent communication is a method of communication that enriches life for all parties engaged in discussion. The four basic steps of non-violent communication are to make non-judgmental observations (thoughts), recognize how those thoughts create an emotional reaction (feelings), identify what needs are not being met because of this emotional reaction (needs), and ask for what will fulfill those needs (request). Basically, non-violent communication is empathic communication that clarifies and strengthens relationships. Non-violent communication can be used in the thoughts we have about ourselves, in personal relationships, and any kind of social or work group setting. Whenever conflict, unease, or tension arises in a conversation, non-violent communication helps connect to the underlying and often unexpressed needs contributing to miscommunication.

 Rosenberg clearly outlines the principles and applications of non-violent communication in his book. Having practiced clinical psychology for years, his background as a therapist adds both to his authority on the subject and the relevance of the content. He draws on his own personal practice and life for examples, as well as offering examples from people attending workshops to learn about non-violent communication. He outlines the non-violent communication process in a clear and logical manner, starting with the most basic pieces before putting it together in a process, and offering examples throughout. Even though empathic communication can sometimes get obscured in heady theories of therapy, Rosenberg makes it accessible and relevant for everyone by showing how daily interactions and personal relationships can be improved with non-violent communication.

 By the end of the book, it's almost impossible to find any area of disagreement with Rosenberg. He provides compelling examples, addresses potential areas of difference, and writes with sincerity throughout the entire book. Rather than lecturing about how to improve communication, he seems to be offering his book as a resource for who might be interested (which is everyone, as he explains). Hi book is a perfect example of non-violent communication in action. The only thing that frustrated me about reading the book was that many times I couldn't anticipate the non-violent responses in all the example conversations. He makes the process seem so easy, but more often than not, I found myself constructing different sentences than those offered as examples. However, he emphasizes that non-violent communication takes practice, mostly because it's not the way our culture is taught to interact with each other. Whether or not you think you'd ever use non-violent communication, I highly recommend this book because chances are it will benefit you at some point in the future.
 Nataliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
So ... do you like stuff?
Really? Me too! What a crazy random happenstance!
Guess what? You can find *a lot* of stuff here. Yay!
Remember when Anderson Cooper SAVED A SMALL CHILD'S LIFE DURING THE RIOTS/LOOTING IN HAITI?
#i don't want to talk about anderson cooper being gay i want to talk about how he's an amazing human being and a hero and a stone cold fox
favorite person anderson cooper
silver fox of my life
(Source: tin-pan-ali, via pinkthatfuckingpink)
NIGHTNIGHT by DEDDY

subset: commoncrawl


text:
$1600 4 House in Conyers Rockdale County Atlanta Area
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 4 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage N/A
Parking 2 dedicated
Pet Policy N/A
Securtiy Deposit $1600
Stunning 5 Bedroom, 4 Bath two story located minutes from I-20 and situated in a quiet cul-de-sac.
The home features a formal living room, ...
Sep 18 -
Welcome Home!!!
3br/2 bath separate dining room, separate living room separate family room with fireplace Owner/ Agent
Provided by Broker: Virtual Properties Realty
For additional information, reply to this ad or see:
vFlyer ID: 292427001
Sep 17 -
OWNER FINANCE "Sophia" - Marietta 3/2.5 Home [Extension 108]
This two-story home features a huge master suite with a sitting room, walk-in closet, and a private bath with a garden tub! The family room has gorgeous hardwood floors with a gas-start fireplace. You'll enjoy privacy with the fully fenced yard. The Summer Lake Subdivision ...
Sep 17 -
Beautiful Home with Tons of Upgrades
EW's features listing for this month is this elegant executive home located in Ellenwood in the South River Community. This beauty features 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, huge master bedroom with large walk in closet, jetted tub, seperate shower, vaulted ceilings, stainless ...
Sep 17 -
$708 3 Townhouse in Decatur DeKalb County Atlanta Area
Aspen Woods is conveniently located in Decatur, Georgia only minutes from shopping, dining, I- 20 and I-285. The community offers 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and town-homes featuring washer and dryer connections, spacious balconies, private patios, fully equipped ...
Sep 16 -
$900 4 House in Barrow County Northeast Mountains
4 bedrooms
1.5 baths
outside 12X16 storage
Main level-1500 sq feet
Full unfinished basement-1200 sq feet
total electric
$900 move-in special Listing ID 2483704.
Sep 15 -
!!!We Love Bad Credit "Take My Home Today!!!
I know whats it's like to suffer with bad credit and struggle but now that the tables have turned I want you to take my home today! Don't be afraid call now Jason 320 207-2082
Sep 14 -
OWNER FINANCE "Sarah" - Austell 4/2.5 Home [Extension 107]
This two-story home features a huge master suite with a walk-in closet and a private bath with a double vanity and a garden tub! The family room features a gas-start fireplace. The patio overlooks a large level lot. The Silverton Subdivision is conveniently located within ...
Sep 14 -
Renovated 4br/3ba two Story Home For Rent
4BR/3BA Two story home in the Linkside at Pebblecreek subdivision of Riverdale. Discounted rent to committed tenants. No Application fee. Close to schools and shopping. Home has fresh paint, new flooring, garage, patio and many upgrades. Call 678-318-3665 for info, viewing ...
Sep 13 -
3BR/2BA Ranch In Riverdale GA. READY NOW!
3Br/2BA renovated ranch home in the Linkside At Peeblecreek subdivision. Fresh paint, level lot, open floor plan, patio, and more. Discounted rent to committed tenants. No application fee. Call 678-318-3665 for info, viewing and applications. www.situshomes.com.
Pets ...
Sep 12 -
3BR/2BA Riverdale Ranch Home For Rent
3BR/2BA ranch home in the Sycamore Glen Subdivision. Open floor plan with garage and patio. Discounted rent to committed tenant. No application fee. Call 678-318-3665 for info, applications, and viewing. www.situshomes.com Pets considered. Close to schools, shopping and ...
3BR Condo in Lithonia
3 Bedroom Condominium in Fairington Village in Lithonia. This home has two garden tubs, with kitchen appliances, external storage, and most of all total electric. It is also close to public transportation. This home has so much to offer and will not last long at this price ...
Sep 12 -
$1099 4 House in Fayetteville Fayette County Atlanta Area
Bedrooms: 4 beds
Bathrooms: 2 baths
Single: 1,821 sq ft
Lot size: .3 + acres
Garage and carport
Eat in kitchen to have new cabinets and countertops
Washer/Dryer Room
1.5 story home
Dining and living room combo
Den or fam-room on lower level
New updates and ...
Sep 12 -
$975 3 House in Rex Clayton County Atlanta Area
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial
Sq Footage Not Listed
Parking 2 dedicated
Pet Policy Pets OK with Deposit
Securtiy Deposit $975
Recently renovated 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath two story home with huge backyard.. The home features a fam-room with fireplace, ...
Sep 11 -
$965 3 House in Union City Fulton County Atlanta Area
This is a well maintained, professionally decorated home with an over-sized, master ensuite. The home is approximately 8 years old and has a great backyard and quick access to
local stores and dining. Listing ID 2476768.
Sep 11 -
Union City
Location, Location in Roswell
Prime location mins from 400, Close to the PGA store, the mall . Home located in an established neighborhood. 3 Bed, 2 Bath, garage. Does not include basement..Located in an award winning school district. Available November 7. No pets, no smoking. Please, call (770)871-9069 ...
Sep 10 -
RENT TO OWN or just rent NO CREDIT CHECK
We have many homes available where you can move in immediately
and pay monthly rent while you build your credit and prepare to purchase in less
than a year. Move now and own it by next year!
Please call Daryl at (770) 999-9971 for more information.
Sep 9 -
$895 3 House in Gresham Park DeKalb County Atlanta Area
24 month lease required. This pet friendly home does not include utilities. Smoking is not permitted inside dwelling. For more information call our rental hotline at 678-318-1880.
Property Description
3 Large Bedrooms
Large Kitchen
Living room with wood burning fireplace ...
Rental: Perfect Location, 3.7 Acres, & Pool!
Available for rent. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!! Beautiful country ambiance, yet still located in the heart of Grayson. Built in the 1900's, this home was totally remodeled in 1996. New HVAC, copper plumbing, and a Rinnai tankless water heater. This is a 2-bedroom 2-bathroom ...
Sep 8 -
Rental, Perfect for All of Your Horsey Friends
Great rental home on over 6 acres. Bring all of your horsey friends!!! Beautiful pastures and a barn with 2 stalls with a room for hay and tack. The home includes updates hardware, fixtures, floors, etc. The home features a keeping room off of the kitchen and updated ...
Sep 8 -
Social Circle
Lease to own option. Most affordable, updated home in Atlanta! All you have to do is move in and make it your own. Come see it to believe it!
Call Daryl at (770) 999 - 9971
Sep 8 -
$999 4 House in Lithonia DeKalb County Atlanta Area
Over sized bedrooms
New A/C
New HVAC
New plumbing throughout
New electrical throughout
New flooring
New drywall
New windows
New kitchen
New doors
New paint
Formal dining room
Formal living room
Luxury finishes Listing ID 2449284.
Sep 6 -
$875 4 House in Decatur DeKalb County Atlanta Area
24 month lease required. This pet friendly home does not include utilities. Smoking is not permitted inside dwelling. For more information call our rental hotline.
Property Description
4 Bedrooms & 2 Full Baths
Central Heat and Air
Large open living
Hardwood floors ...
Sep 6 -
$950 3 House in Decatur DeKalb County Atlanta Area
3br/2ba Ranch Home, formal living area, spacious eat in kitchen, sun room. 2 car garage. Split bedroom floor plan, master bedroom with private bathroom with walk in closet.
Rent: $950.00
Deposit: $950.00 Listing ID 2479394.


text:
Category Archives: Double Feature
5-Word At EIFF 2012 – God Bless America and Brake
Here are two more movies to add to your options for the weekend (if you're local) courtesy of your friends at the EIFF. Otherwise, well, you'll just have to wait. About these ads
5-Word At EIFF 2012 – Tim And Eric's Billion Dollar Movie and V/H/S
You may have noticed that I have quite enjoyed all the films I have reviewed at the festival, to one degree or another. Well, today marks my first negative experience at this year's EIFF, and it is a doozy.
5-Word At EIFF 2012 – Day Of The Flowers and The Ambassador
As it turns out, I did get to see a documentary today. So this is Day 175 as well.
5-Word At EIFF 2012 – Flicker and Dragon
As the name suggests, a lot of the films showing at EIFF are not of this land. Here are two of the best foreign-language flicks showing this weekend.
5-Word At EIFF 2012 – Grabbers and Rent-a-Cat
We'll also call this Day 172, shall we? Excellent.
5-Word At EIFF 2012 – Pusher and Lovely Molly
As well as these two movies below, I also managed to get a last-minute ticket to a screening of a new print of William Friedkin's 1971 masterpiece The French Connection this evening, with the man himself in attendance. As an example … Continue reading
5-Word 365 #075 – Che
My original intention had been to split these two over two days and discuss them separately, but since I was off work today anyway I figured I should go for a oner. Wish I'd had some rum though. Purely for … Continue reading


text:
Message Board
Message From Tony!
31st October 2013
Many thanks to everyone that came to see us on our tour to South and Latin America. Quite an experience with huge crowds, I'm told 74,000 in Sao Paulo and 60,000 in Mexico City. Also, thanks to Megadeth, great band and really good people to work with, hope they enjoyed it as well. Two grumbles - no thanks to whoever was coughing and sneezing on the overnight Air France flight down and gave me a dreadful cold virus, or whoever stole my trainers from the back of the stage in Buenos Aires! Otherwise, all pretty good, colder at night than I was expecting but an amazing reception from all the fans. It's going to be strange playing indoors again but outdoors in Helsinki in November, I don't think so! Looking forward to being in Europe, I had to miss out when I was taken ill in 2012, so it'll be great to get another chance to play there.
- Tony
Back to the main news page
© Iommi 2009. All Rights Reserved. design:
Cookie Policy


text:
Schack-made Glass Pumpkins
Our Glass Pumpkin Patch is filled with more than 400 unique, glass pumpkins of all colors, shapes and sizes handcrafted in the Schack Art Center hot shop, as well as harvest themed paintings, pottery, and gifts.
These pumpkins will last forever, but this patch is ONLY open 4 days every year. Don't miss it!


text:
We appreciate softshells for their refined look and technical foul weather performance, which is why we applied that aesthetic to the two-for-one style of the reversible Burton Porter Jacket.
Built with a streamlined woven face and a straightforward jersey knit on the reverse, the combination is made clean enough to slide into professional situations without missing a meeting. A clean snap front, streamlined pocketing, and action-packed pivot sleeves equip it for the hectic pace of daily life.
Scroll To Learn More
Design Features
Reversible Style
DRYRIDE Mist-Defy Fabric [16% Polyester, 25% Cotton, 59% Nylon]
Water-repellent, quick-drying, and moisture wicking, Burton Tech Apparel with DRYRIDE Mist-Defy performs while maintaining the soft, stretchy, and comfortable benefits of cotton.


text:
Party Hard
|"Party Hard"
|Single by Andrew W.K.
|from the album I Get Wet
|October 29, 2001
|Hard rock, pop punk
|Andrew W.K. singles chronology
"Party Hard" is a song by Andrew W.K., first released as a single in 2001 and included on his first album I Get Wet. The song provided Andrew W.K. with his first mainstream hit, reaching number 14 of the UK Singles Charts upon release.[1]
The UK single contained one previously released track ("Make Sex"), one previously unreleased track ("Violent Life") and the video for "Party Hard". A promo single for this song was released to radio stations in the US in 2002. The promo single had the title song, the video for the song and a track titled "Andrew W.K.".
The song was included on the soundtrack for Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 football game. It can also be heard on Madden NFL 2003.[2] It is also used as the walk-on music for Professional Darts Corporation darts player Steve Hine[3] and was also played by the ECHL's San Francisco Bulls after scoring a goal during home games at the Cow Palace. It was also heard in the 2002 movie Stealing Harvard. The trailer and advertisements for the Disney-Pixar movie Monsters University feature this song.
It has been a popular internet meme for several years, and has spawned several videos.
The song is available for downloadable content on the video game Rock Band 3.
Track listing[edit]
All songs written and composed by Andrew W.K. and Diane Warren.
|"Party Hard"
|"Make Sex [AWKGOJ version]"
|"Violent Life"
|"Party Hard (Video)"
"Party Hard" was named the 89th best hard rock song of all time by VH1.[4]
Pitchfork Media ranked the song #129 on its list of the Top 500 tracks of the 2000s. Reviewer Mark Richardson wrote: "Before Red Bull and vodka became fashionable and sports drink companies made the decade all about the pursuit of eXtreme energy, the movement already had its anthem."[5]
- ^ http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=1781 Songfacts
- ^ THE SOUNDS OF MADDEN NFL™ 2003. EA Sports. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
- ^ Steve Hine. Global Darts. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
- ^ "spreadit.org music". Retrieved February 5, 2009.
- ^ Pitchfork Staff. Staff Lists: The Top 500 Tracks of the 2000s: 200-101. Pitchfork Media. 18 August 2009. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
External links[edit]


text:
TUCSON, Ariz. – Schedule changes for the 2014 football schedule, specifically Arizona's first two games, have been announced by head coach Rich Rodriguez and the athletics department.
Originally scheduled for Sat., Aug. 30, the Wildcats' season opener hosting UNLV will be played on Fri., Aug. 29 at Arizona Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 or 7:15 p.m. MST/PT. The television selection info will be announced at a later date.
Arizona's game at UTSA, originally scheduled for Sat., Sept. 6, will now be played on Thurs., Sept. 4, at the Alamo Dome. Game time is set for 5 p.m. MST/7 p.m. CT. The television selection info will be announced at a later date.
"We're excited to add two weekday games to our schedule," head coach Rich Rodriguez said. "Being so early in the college football season, there will be a lot of excitement surrounding these games."
With these schedule changes, the Wildcats will now play four weekday games in 2014, including a Thursday tilt at Oregon (Oct. 2) and the Territorial Cup game vs. ASU on Fri., Nov. 28.
"I think these are exciting schedule changes for our fans with national audiences able to watch us play," Arizona Athletics Director Greg Byrne said. "We had a good crowd for the 2013 season opener on a Friday night and we expect a similar result in 2014. There's a lot of excitement surrounding our football program right now and these games add to that."
Football season tickets for both new and returning customers are on sale now. The football season ticket renewal campaign began earlier this month and runs through May 1. However, fans that renew (via full payment or payment plan registration) by March 7 will lock in last year's lower ticket prices. In addition, fans that renew online by the March 7 early renewal deadline will have the $10 service fee waived and receive $10 in store credit to BearDownShop.com. Football season tickets for 2014 start as low as $99 (less than $15 per game).
Fans wishing to become football season ticket holders for the first time can purchase new seats at ArizonaWildcats.com or by calling (520) 621-CATS. Payment plans are available for both new season tickets and renewals but must be arranged over the phone with the McKale Ticket Office.
After quarterback Carson Palmer missed the game against the Giants, it remains a question as to whether he will play in the upcoming game against the 49ers.
7831 N. Business Park Drive
Tucson, AZ 85743
(520) 744-1313
FCC Public File
EEO Report
Closed Captioning
FCC Public File
EEO Report
Closed Captioning
FCC Public File
EEO Report
Closed Captioning


text:
WikiTree is a community of genealogists on a mission to create a 100% free, single family tree. This is our current SCHWEISSGUTH index. If you agree with our 9-Point Honor Code we'd love your help filling in the blanks and fixing mistakes.Do you have a GEDCOM? Register now and have every name in your tree searched. It's free (like everything on WikiTree).
|Edit Date
|Anna Katharina (Giesius) Schweissguth
|1685 Wiesbaden, Hesse, Germany
|Mary Nance
|1 Jan 2014
|Johannes Georg Schweissguth
|November 3, 1685 Lehrbach, Germany
|Laurentius or Lorantz Schweissguth
|February 10, 1724 Wiesbaden, Hesse, Germany
|Mary Cathron (Beck) Schweissguth
|February 6, 1764 York Co., PA
|Johann Adom Schweissguth
|August 1, 1752 York Co., PA
|Johana Christopher Schweissguth
|July 9, 1626 ELLUGENALP, GERMANY
|Patti Ratts
|28 Aug 2011
|Johannes George Schweissguth
|October 1685 WEISBADEN, GERMANY
|Lorentz Schweissguth
|February 24, 1723 WEISBADEN, GERMANY
|Johann Adom Schweissguth
|August 11, 1752 Paradise, York, Pennsylvania, USA
|Glenn Crater
|4 Jan 2011
Please join us in collaborating on SCHWEISSGUTH family trees. We need the help of good genealogists to grow a completely free shared family tree to connect us all.
Genealogy Index > S Family Names > SCHWEISSGUTH


text:
soft errorAn error occurence in a computer's memory system that changes an instruction in a program or a data value. Soft errors typically can be remedied by cold booting the computer. A soft error will not damage a system's hardware; the only damage is to the data that is being processed.
There are two types of soft errors:
- chip-level soft error: These errors occur when the radioactive atoms in the chip's material decay and release alpha particles into the chip. Because an alpha particle contains a positive charge and kinetic energy, the particle can hit a memory cell and cause the cell to change state to a different value. The atomic reaction is so tiny that it does not damage the actual structure of the chip. Chip-level errors are rare because modern memory is so stable that it would take a typical computer with a large memory capacity at least 10 years before the radioactive elements of the chip's materials begin to decay.
- system-level soft error: These errors occur when the data being processed is hit with a noise phenomenon, typically when the data is on a data bus. The computer tries to interpret the noise as a data bit, which can cause errors in addressing or processing program code. The bad data bit can even be saved in memory and cause problems at a later time.
Contrast with hard error.
The future remains, well, cloudy. But either way: Amazon, look out. Microsoft is gaining fast. Read More »Hype Versus Action in the Developer's World
Often times technologies start as hype but with time become adopted. As a developer or technologist, it is worth reading the hype and knowing the... Read More »Microsoft Hyper-V Network Virtualization Q&A
The top 5 Hyper-V questions with answers provided by Nirmal Sharma, a MCSEx3, MCITP and Microsoft MVP in Directory Services. Read More »
Webopedia Polls: Is iPhone 6 or iWatch on your list? Read More »How to Create a Desktop Shortcut to a Website
This Webopedia guide will show you how to create a desktop shortcut to a website using Firefox, Chrome or Internet Explorer (IE). Read More »Flash Data Storage Vendor Trends
Although it is almost impossible to keep up with the pace of ongoing product releases, here are three recent highlights in the flash data storage... Read More »
Stay up to date on the latest developments in Internet terminology with a free weekly newsletter from Webopedia. Join to subscribe now.
We Recommend
Datamation Hangouts with Tech ExpertsWatch Datamation's editor James Maguire moderate roundtable discussions with tech experts from companies such as Accenture, Dell, Blue Jeans Network, Microsoft and more »