Missive #114 Published 25 August 2023
I liked the subject matter of this book but did not like the style. To use 'an oral history form' for a speculative alternative history just didn't work for me. the author has written a series of novels that I'm going to give a try and hope he uses a more conventional style.
Missive #113 Published 22 August 2023
Classical liberalism promised to overthrow the old aristocracy, creating an order in which individuals could create their own identities and futures. To some extent it did--but it has also demolished the traditions and institutions that nourished ordinary people and created a new and exploitative ruling class. This class's economic libertarianism, progressive values, and technocratic commitments have led them to rule for the benefit of the "few" at the expense of the "many," precipitating our current political crises.
Missive #111 Published 18 August 2023
Another trip into Reserve for breakfast and pick up a few things at Jake’s. Also another stop at Catron Garage. This time I need to have a circuit breaker in my electrical converter fixed. When we had the storm with a lot of hail the circuit breaker for the line to to the refrigerator and one wall plug tripped off.
Missive #110 Published 15 August 2023
This is the first book in a trilogy and is Tim Severin's first novel. He has used his research from years ago when he followed The Brendan Voyage and wrote his first nonfiction book about that adventure.
Missive #107 Published 9 August 2023
I don't recommend this book but do suggest that you read Chapter 1. If you are still interested then do as the author says; "If you are not interested in mathematical details, by all means skip this chapter [2] and go directly to Part II." OR go to the Conclusion. A lot of mathematical detail in all the chapters plus a profusion of graphs.
Missive #106 Published 8 August 2023
This book is Deneen's published 1995 PhD Thesis. Therefore, if you decide to read it be prepared to wade through the academic morass. The first and last chapters are not so bad but the middle chapters were way above my pay grade.
Missive #105 Published 6 August 2023
Created by the bestselling SF novelist Jerry Pournelle, There Will Be War is a landmark science fiction anthology series that combines top-notch military science fiction with factual essays by various generals and military experts on everything from High Frontier and the Strategic Defense Initiative to the aftermath of the Vietnam War. It features some of the greatest military science fiction ever published; many science fiction greats were featured in the original nine-volume series. There Will Be War Volume I is edited by Jerry Pournelle and John F. Carr, and features 23 stories, articles, and poems.
Missive #104 Published 4 August 2023
I never watched Tucker on TV because I don't do TV. However, I have read enough about him that what he says in this book came as no surprise and certainly explains why he is no longer at Fox. he attacks the 'elites' in this country and TV provided him with far too much exposure to the 'deplorables'; he had to go.
Missive #103 Published 3 August 2023
“Is Google making us stupid?” When Nicholas Carr posed that question, in a celebrated Atlantic Monthly cover story, he tapped into a well of anxiety about how the Internet is changing us. He also crystallized one of the most important debates of our time: As we enjoy the Net’s bounties, are we sacrificing our ability to read and think deeply?
Missive #102 Published 30 July 2023
The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrims' Progress is a travel book by American author Mark Twain published in 1869 which humorously chronicles what Twain called his "Great Pleasure Excursion" on board the chartered vessel Quaker City (formerly USS Quaker City) through Europe and the Holy Land with a group of American travelers in 1867. It was the best-selling of Twain's works during his lifetime, as well as one of the best-selling travel books of all time.