Bookgasm

“If the end of the universe was present in its beginning - if we are merely in the middle of the deterministic unfolding of a set of initial conditions - then the universe would be a pointless exercise.

“If you're at your destination, why make the journey? If you know the answer, why ask the question? That is why the future is - and must be - profoundly hidden, even from God. Otherwise, life would have no meaning.”

-- God

God would seem to be less than omniscient. Which is a seductive notion, if less than wholly reassuring. But then if you are willing to believe at all, it is easy to appreciate that there is something less than perfect going on there anyway.

I'm glad I kept this novel in mind. It had been a long time since I've been so absorbed in a thriller. I had to stop in the middle of my afternoon reading today, because the chapter was so climactic that I just had to let my brain cells settle down and rest, and I didn't want to ruin the experience by immediately proceeding with a blah chapter. I even did a couple of chores, which is close to torture for me, to let the novel simmer down.

It occurs to me that it probably helps not to read too many novels, so that the suspension of disbelief can return greater dividends. Relegating novels to the weekends probably isn't enough, either, which is what I was planning on doing. I'm going to have to keep rotating in some easy biographies and books on current politics if only to keep the novels fresh. That way one can enjoy the roller-coaster rides better.

Bookgasm

“If the end of the universe was present in its beginning - if we are merely in the middle of the deterministic unfolding of a set of initial conditions - then the universe would be a pointless exercise.

“If you're at your destination, why make the journey? If you know the answer, why ask the question? That is why the future is - and must be - profoundly hidden, even from God. Otherwise, life would have no meaning.”

-- God

God would seem to be less than omniscient. Which is a seductive notion, if less than wholly reassuring. But then if you are willing to believe at all, it is easy to appreciate that there is something less than perfect going on there anyway.

I'm glad I kept this novel in mind. It had been a long time since I've been so absorbed in a thriller. I had to stop in the middle of my afternoon reading today, because the chapter was so climactic that I just had to let my brain cells settle down and rest, and I didn't want to ruin the experience by immediately proceeding with a blah chapter. I even did a couple of chores, which is close to torture for me, to let the novel simmer down.

It occurs to me that it probably helps not to read too many novels, so that the suspension of disbelief can return greater dividends. Relegating novels to the weekends probably isn't enough, either, which is what I was planning on doing. I'm going to have to keep rotating in some easy biographies and books on current politics if only to keep the novels fresh. That way one can enjoy the roller-coaster rides better.

Adoring Camille Keaton

I'm finally settled in the DVD world, rather than just being an alien visitor. This weekend, I watched "I Spit On Your Grave" for perhaps the hundredth time. This time, though, to give the experience a little more spice, I turned on Joe Bob Briggs' commentary and listened to that through the whole movie. He is listed as a cult film guru, and he made for interesting viewing. This DVD, the Millennium edition, also has a commentary track by the director, Meir Zarchi, and I intend to play that one the next time I watch the movie. I've tended to ignore these commentaries for the most part, but now I appreciate how they afford a little variety for much-watched movies.

And I can only appreciate that I'm enjoying this movie today in DVD, period, with or without commentaries. I recall too well the Bay Horse years of the early nineties when I despaired of ever seeing this movie again, in any form, thinking that the self-appointed censors had gotten their hands on it and shoved it into the memory hole, lost to us forever. But here I am enjoying it. This life doth have its little joys.

Adoring Camille Keaton

I'm finally settled in the DVD world, rather than just being an alien visitor. This weekend, I watched "I Spit On Your Grave" for perhaps the hundredth time. This time, though, to give the experience a little more spice, I turned on Joe Bob Briggs' commentary and listened to that through the whole movie. He is listed as a cult film guru, and he made for interesting viewing. This DVD, the Millennium edition, also has a commentary track by the director, Meir Zarchi, and I intend to play that one the next time I watch the movie. I've tended to ignore these commentaries for the most part, but now I appreciate how they afford a little variety for much-watched movies.

And I can only appreciate that I'm enjoying this movie today in DVD, period, with or without commentaries. I recall too well the Bay Horse years of the early nineties when I despaired of ever seeing this movie again, in any form, thinking that the self-appointed censors had gotten their hands on it and shoved it into the memory hole, lost to us forever. But here I am enjoying it. This life doth have its little joys.

Conservative America

Conservative America