Nice people thread part 6 - thrice by twice as nice :)

lemonjelly

Part 2...

[URL="[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Men-Have-Nipples-Questions/dp/0752879693/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342728448&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Men-Have-Nipples-Questions/dp/0752879693/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342728448&sr=1-1[/URL[/URL]]
A birthday present. Seemed more interesting than it really is to be perfectly honest. Harmless, but doesn't set the world alight.

[URL="[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/12-Books-That-Changed-World/dp/1844560872/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342728662&sr=1-2"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/12-Books-That-Changed-World/dp/1844560872/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342728662&sr=1-2[/URL[/URL]]
I remember watching the TV series this book was based upon. Really enjoyed the TV series, so when I saw the book in the works, jumped at the chance to read it. Fascinating insights into the rules of association football, the magna carta, the abolition of slavery, and woman gaining a number of rights and equalities, amongst other thigs... A pleasureable read, as I learned something on every single page.

[URL="[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shatner-Rules-Guide-Understanding-Shatnerverse/dp/0525952519/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342728873&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shatner-Rules-Guide-Understanding-Shatnerverse/dp/0525952519/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342728873&sr=1-1[/URL[/URL]]
Another birthday present. If you have ever found yourself standing there, thinking "What would Bill do?", then this book is for you. Absolutely hilarious, Bill (as he likes to be known) explains in one of the funniest books I have read in a long time (see above!) how he has travelled through life, & what made him make decisions like whether or not to be TJ Hooker. If you are in any way a fan, read this book. Loads of laugh out loud moments.

No amazon link for this one, as you can't get it there! A Self published book by a London hisorian. However there is a twist. Rather than look at the history of the case, Bennett takes us on a fascinating journey through time to look at the perception(s) of Jack the Ripper, & how various stories & perceptions (notably the cape, top hat & gladstone bag) came into being, when such perceptions were not common place at all at the time of the crimes. One of the best Jack the Ripper books I have ever read (& there have been a few) & it is a criminal shame that no publisher took this book on. I am so glad Bennett self published this tome. Brilliant.

[URL="[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mammoth-Book-Jack-Ripper/dp/1845297121/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342729592&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mammoth-Book-Jack-Ripper/dp/1845297121/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342729592&sr=1-1[/URL[/URL]]
A collection of mini-books gathered together, with the obvious common theme. Some writers focus on their favoured suspects (eg Beadle & Bury), whereas others (Stewart Evans) talks about how he came to develop an interest in the crimes years ago, & how this has impacted on his life - why the longetivity?) The Ripper diary gets discussed, as do issues around Patricia Cornwell;s famous (outlandish?) case closed book. Not essential, but on many occasions, very interesting.

[URL="[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Religion-Atheists-non-believers-guide-religion/dp/0241144779/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342729819&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Religion-Atheists-non-believers-guide-religion/dp/0241144779/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342729819&sr=1-1[/URL[/URL]]
I really like de Botton's work. Status Anxiety is still his best book for me. When this came out, I had to buy it straight away. Whilst it doesn't quite reach the same highs as status anxiety, this book does look at issues (which some would say is obvious) that secular people can take from/learn from or even adopt in their lives from religions. The secularisation of society has reduced levels of community, empathy, co-operation etc which we used to have when we were a more religious society. De Botton essentially argues not for increased religiousness, but that non-believers should examine the positive aspects of religion, & adopt them where practical/useful.

[URL="[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Lines-Greg-Bear/dp/0345448383/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342730083&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Lines-Greg-Bear/dp/0345448383/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342730083&sr=1-1[/URL[/URL]]
Yet another birthday present. My first Greg Bear book. I have since heard it isn't one of his best. I'm not sure I'd be tempted to try another.
Nice idea - a mobile phone technology is developed which is revolutionary. One problem, it also communicates with the dead, as well as those alive. Users start losing their minds. Book works ok for approx 250 pages, then develops the Stephen King problem of not having a clue how to end, & the last 50 pages are a bodge job doing a disservice to everything preceeding it, resulting in a huge anti-climax.

[URL="[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Talk-Hand-Rudeness-Everyday-Reasons/dp/1861979339/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342730327&sr=1-2"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Talk-Hand-Rudeness-Everyday-Reasons/dp/1861979339/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342730327&sr=1-2[/URL[/URL]]
One for the grumpy old farts/things that annoy you thread contributors. Truss takes us on a journey to basically ask "whatever happened to manners & politeness". Sadly, she's preaching to the converted...

[URL="[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rules-Game-Pierluigi-Collina/dp/0330418726/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342730464&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rules-Game-Pierluigi-Collina/dp/0330418726/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342730464&sr=1-1[/URL[/URL]]
Frank has raised the profile, & issues faced by referees on this board, & I take my hat off to him for what he has endeavoured to do with explaining & discussing contentious issues. This book is one I've owned for years & only recently got round to reading. It is a little dry, but very very enjoyable. It is a fascinating insight into highs & lows, Collina's decision making, the role of the referee in football. Reading about referee's preparations was fascinating. Truly gave me a new perspective on the man in the middle. Essential reading for sports fans.

[URL="[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Prisons-Punishments-London-Richard-Byrne/dp/0586210369/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342730691&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Prisons-Punishments-London-Richard-Byrne/dp/0586210369/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342730691&sr=1-1[/URL[/URL]]
Historical analysis of prisons & prison development in London. Dry, & to be honest, boring.

So after "prisons...", for a little light relief, Iain Banks & his novel about a family trying to escape a civil war, being effectively taken hostage by some guerilla fighters, & being forcibly returned to their home/castle & join the guerillas. To be fair, you know it is likely to end unhappily... But Banks is a really good stary teller, & kept me gripped & interested enough to find out exactly how badly it would end...

[URL="[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Napoleon-Wellington-Long-Andrew-Roberts/dp/1842127403/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342731046&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Napoleon-Wellington-Long-Andrew-Roberts/dp/1842127403/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342731046&sr=1-1[/URL[/URL]]
Not a history of their confrontation (they only met once on a battlefield), but a historical appraisal of the 2 characters.Boneaparte & Wellington were the same age/born in the same year. Both were heralded to be great generals. That is pretty much the end of the similarities. Yet after defeating Napoleon at Waterloo, Wellington maintained an interest in Boeaparte (bedding 2 of his mistresses, living in a number of his houses, & filling Apsley House with Boneaparte memorabilia). This book is more an assessment of how the 2 generals viewed each other.
I have an interest in the napoleonic wars & waterloo, as I was lucky enough to visit the battlfield as a child (would love to go back) & studying the era in GCSE history.

[URL="[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Change-World-School-Life/dp/1447202325/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342731351&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Change-World-School-Life/dp/1447202325/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342731351&sr=1-1[/URL[/URL]]
The School of Life have developed a series of books ( I have them all - sad I know) which could be categorized as self help books. The first I read was this one. A happy book. Little things make a difference. This book bounds with optimism. It encourages you not to be worried about barriers, & cajoles you into acting in a way which will positively benefit those around you - people you love, and/or complete strangers - and have a positive influence on the world.
I followed that up with:

[URL="[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Think-More-About-Sex/dp/1447202279/ref=pd_cp_b_2"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Think-More-About-Sex/dp/1447202279/ref=pd_cp_b_2[/URL[/URL]]
Hmmm. How to review this without being all "fnarr!!!"
Essentially, we all worry about sex too much, & in the wrong ways. This inhibits performance, and also our enjoyment of this. De Botton looks at manogomy, affairs, pornography, titillation, fore play, lust and love. The whole spectrum. Useful reading....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+beach+garland[/URL"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+beach+garland"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+beach+garland[/URL]
I've not seen the film. Which probably means that I enjoyed this book even more (I'm not a fan of reading the book after seeing the film - tends to spoil it for me/my imagination). This is a good novel, & I can see why it was hyped at the time. I enjoyed reading Garlands Coma a year ago. I may well search out his other books, & would welcome recommendations.

[URL="[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jack-Ripper-Bloody-Melvin-Harris/dp/0862873282/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342731929&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jack-Ripper-Bloody-Melvin-Harris/dp/0862873282/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342731929&sr=1-1[/URL[/URL]]
Melvin Harris' seminal work (at the time) which demolished many of the widely held conspiracy theories that have arisen out of the jack the ripper myth - especially following Stephen Knights "The Final Solution" book & Michael caine on our TV screens. & it does that well - Harris made a career out of debunking hoaxes & myths. He lays into the falsifyers & concealers of truth. Sadly, he spoils it by ending putting forward a suspect with little/no evidence save his own suspicions. (Said suspect has since been disregarded by almost all students of the case).
I am about to finish this:

[URL="[URL]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eats-Shoots-Leaves-Lynne-Truss/dp/0007329067/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342732172&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eats-Shoots-Leaves-Lynne-Truss/dp/0007329067/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342732172&sr=1-1[/URL[/URL]]
A witty look at how misuse of grammar & punctuation affects us (mainly, how it affects people who are sticklers/pedants). Useful also as a reminder of good practise - especially if I intend to become a grammar/punctuation nazi...
Next update due around christmas I guess...

lemonjelly

Nice to see fc123 about again!

How is silvercar?

lemonjelly

Husband says to wife, "My Olympic condoms have arrived... I think I'll wear Gold tonight."

Wife says, "Why not wear Silver and come second for a change."

GDB2222

"Hi Mum and Dad,

I travelled from Petra to Amman today and then on to Damascus. I plan to stay a couple of days here volunteering at the hospital (there's a lot of victims) and then head to Beirut.

And if you believe that, you'll believe anything...

I'm still in Jordan and will be until Tuesday night when I fly to Beirut. There appears to be little danger of the fighting spreading from Syria to Lebanon - a couple of weeks before I went to Egypt there were some people killed in Tripoli (the city in Lebanon's North) but since then there have been troops stationed there and it looks unlikely fighting will spill over the border. Nonetheless, I'll assess the situation on the ground before deciding whether to go there.

The bigger issue with Lebanon is that Israel blamed the terror attack in Bulgaria on the Lebanese - I think there's more room for danger there.

I'm checking the news everyday and am being sensible - whatever happens, Jordan should remain safe. Hope this reassures you somewhat.

Adam xx "


Fingers crossed, please, everyone.

PasturesNew

lemonjelly wrote: »

..

lemonjelly wrote: »

..

tldr;

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PasturesNew

GDB2222 wrote: »

Fingers crossed, please, everyone.

You should have recommended Skegness when he said he wanted to travel.

chewmylegoff

PasturesNew wrote: »

You should have recommended Skegness when he said he wanted to travel.

Skegness is probably more dangerous.

michaels

I would love to visti Jordan and Lebanon. I knew a very nice young lady from Lebanon and was going to visit but then decided that her family might see it as inapporpriate. Also Jordan was on my to do list when I was trying to have a girl friend from every country...

I have read the two Ian Banks, Song of stone was just unpleasant but defnitely memorable, The Business was OK but I think I found it too beleivable to be shocking.

michaels

So I am just finishing (again)

Definitely harder hitting for me now I have kids of my own.

I also reread

Those Poles certainly know how to do long-suffering, and (for CK) it was the Georgian's what done it...

And before that

Which I suspect you all know and of course is a girls book bt I enjoyed it but thought it could have built to a darker (groan) ending...

I wonder if anyone might be able to lend me the Hunger Games which I wouldn't mind giving a go?

michaels

Not a good day for this NP today. Wednesday I was booked to have day off but worked instead as sportsday was cancelled. Booked Today off instead for builder to finish kitchen. Called builder first thing who said yes he was coming and then again at 9.30 to be told he wasn't :mad: decided might as well go to work but didn't reach till 11 as train delays then spent the day trying to work ot whether badly written spec or extremely complicated DB (or both) were wrong (both written by different former colleagues who have now left without handing over). This was not helped by the fact I have had a cold and temperature for the last 48 hours, not enough to stop me taking paracetemol and going to work but certainly enough to make it impossible for me to follow sql queries 6 levels deep.

Now builder has promised to come tomorrow leaving me to muck around my employer and a colleague again but I don't want to say no to builder as I want a kitchen back and to cap it all the trains were broken on the way hoem so I didn't get in till 8.