December 2010
10 posts
The Giving Tree - Shel Silverstein
Merry Kwanzukkah! This year, we decided to stay home for the holidays, instead of traveling to see relatives. We kept things pretty simple and low key. Just the way I like it. This time of the year often calls to my mind Mr. Silverstein’s timeless parable. The story is a beautiful and moving reminder of both the joy and the sacrifice in true giving.
The Iliad - Homer
I love the Greek classics. I’ve read both The Iliad and The Odyssey and, for some reason, I enjoyed The Iliad more. Maybe because the story resonated more with me. Maybe because I found the sheer number of characters overwhelming, yet I felt I was given a meaningful glimpse into each life - before it was ended - thus, illustrating the true costs of war. So many grand themes are centered...
Last night I dreamt of toasted spinach.
Yahoo shutting down Delicious?
http://ping.fm/NU3nQ
It’s been ages since I’ve been to the mall. Now I remember why.
Here - Wisława Szymborska
In October, I featured a prose collection from Wisława Szymborska. I was excited to see that an English translation of her latest poetry was published later that month. It’s been a while since I’ve read new poetry from her. I think her last published collection was Monologue of a Dog, which came out some years ago. As always, her poetry covers a vast range of subjects, everything...
I’m beginning to think I’m the kind of person who believes things can always get worse.
“I grew up poor, but only because everyone else had money.”
– Yokoo Gibraan
The Lifecycle of Software Objects - Ted Chiang
Ted Chiang writes great science fiction short stories. They have won the Nebula and Hugo awards, among others. From a conceptual and imaginative aspect, he reminds me of Jorge Luis Borges (another great short story writer). Although, his literary style may not be as strong as Borges’s. However, Chiang is worth reading just for his ideas and thought experiments. They definitely make you...