a few good reads...
Well, I've had a little free time lately due to Chusuk, and I've been able to catch up on some reading. Having six days off in a row really helped me get back some energy I was missing, and I felt the best I'd been in months after the six days off. Anyways, in case any of you were interested, I'll include a few short descriptions below of some of my favourite books, followed by a short summary of whats happened since my last post.
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell -
If you're looking for a book that really makes you think about who you should be talking to if you want something done right, then read this book. I would really recommend educator's reading this book, especially because he writes a lot about Sesame Street and Blue's Clue's, and how they are/were so successful with children - what worked with making children learn more than just by watching. It offers a lot of great insight on trying to make things "stick" with children outside of their school environment. Some of the other major points he covers are who "connectors" are, and to make sure that you know one of them, mostly because they get all of your work done for you, wihthout even knowing it. He writes in very easy prose, and he uses a lot of excellent case studies to highlight his points. A highly recommended read!
The Motorcycle Diaries by Che Guevara
Last year, I was lucky enough to watch the movie one rainy afternoon, and I immediately fell in love with Che's story. (for an interesting insight for those of you who have read this book, or seen his movie, follow the link over to Slate.com For an interesting read on the current fascination with Che )
I might not have agreed with all that Che's been recorded to have wreaked on Cuba and other revolutionaries, but his book is a fascinating exploration through 1950's South America. Even though it's the english translation (the spanish version is said to include even more details than the english copy) you still get to see a vivid picture of what Che saw on his journey with his close friend Alberto. From some of his insights, you wonder how much insight could have come from someone in the upperclass. He shows a genuine desire to help out, something close to the same feelings most people in their mid-20's want to accomplish; travel, and heal the world, one travelling site at a time... Aside from what you might harbor against Che for his wrongdoings, know that this book is an excellent read, and one that I read rather quickly, because of its ease and readability.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini This book was recommended to me by a good friend, and I unfortunately forgot about it for a while. I finally bought the book last week, and promptly finished it in three days.
Someone used the word "haunting" to describe this book, and I think that that word best summarizes how I felt when i finished the book. Its not haunting in a scary regard, but just in all of the emotions that you read through the book, which Hosseini puts on his pages. The story involves a young Afghan boy and his servant; inseperable even though they live in seperate worlds of social heirarchy. The story offers many interesting insights into the country, things that I wouldn't have known, or bothered to read about in any other book half as interesting as this one. Aside from any other catch phrases, I stayed up late reading this book, because I wanted to finish the book, and read the ending. I highly recommend this book for anyone who's looking for any new books to read.
For each of the books, I've included links to websites about each book, in the off chance that you're interested, and want to read someone else's opinion other than mine. If anyone else has read these books, feel free to comment via the comments.
Onto other news. The US has just confirmed to South Korea the other day that the test our friendly dictator performed was in fact a nuclear missile, and not a dud like his Taepo-dong missiles he fired earlier in the year. And while he's agreed to meet regarding the sanctions that the UN is threatning to place on him, I'm not holding my breath. Over here, the news has tired about North Korea, and its gone back to how it was before; only when its worthy. Otherwise, the world continues to turn. Oh, and that crashing noise you heard the other day? That was the Korean Won free-falling through the floor, and ruining my exchange rate:) I went from a richer man working here and sending it home, to just plain average. The Korean stock KOSPI opened to pretty much everyone pushing the "sell" buttons. Its leveled off now, but for a bit, it wasn't looking too good. As long as it doesn't dip below the US dollar, then I'll be fine. (Not like I can really do a whole lot about it).
Well, that's all for me. I hope all of you are not wasting your time with the media, and making sure to hear everything objectively instead of accepting everything they say. Don't work too hard, and I'll catch you around the bend...
God Bless,
Me
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell -
If you're looking for a book that really makes you think about who you should be talking to if you want something done right, then read this book. I would really recommend educator's reading this book, especially because he writes a lot about Sesame Street and Blue's Clue's, and how they are/were so successful with children - what worked with making children learn more than just by watching. It offers a lot of great insight on trying to make things "stick" with children outside of their school environment. Some of the other major points he covers are who "connectors" are, and to make sure that you know one of them, mostly because they get all of your work done for you, wihthout even knowing it. He writes in very easy prose, and he uses a lot of excellent case studies to highlight his points. A highly recommended read!The Motorcycle Diaries by Che Guevara
Last year, I was lucky enough to watch the movie one rainy afternoon, and I immediately fell in love with Che's story. (for an interesting insight for those of you who have read this book, or seen his movie, follow the link over to Slate.com For an interesting read on the current fascination with Che )
I might not have agreed with all that Che's been recorded to have wreaked on Cuba and other revolutionaries, but his book is a fascinating exploration through 1950's South America. Even though it's the english translation (the spanish version is said to include even more details than the english copy) you still get to see a vivid picture of what Che saw on his journey with his close friend Alberto. From some of his insights, you wonder how much insight could have come from someone in the upperclass. He shows a genuine desire to help out, something close to the same feelings most people in their mid-20's want to accomplish; travel, and heal the world, one travelling site at a time... Aside from what you might harbor against Che for his wrongdoings, know that this book is an excellent read, and one that I read rather quickly, because of its ease and readability.The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini This book was recommended to me by a good friend, and I unfortunately forgot about it for a while. I finally bought the book last week, and promptly finished it in three days.
Someone used the word "haunting" to describe this book, and I think that that word best summarizes how I felt when i finished the book. Its not haunting in a scary regard, but just in all of the emotions that you read through the book, which Hosseini puts on his pages. The story involves a young Afghan boy and his servant; inseperable even though they live in seperate worlds of social heirarchy. The story offers many interesting insights into the country, things that I wouldn't have known, or bothered to read about in any other book half as interesting as this one. Aside from any other catch phrases, I stayed up late reading this book, because I wanted to finish the book, and read the ending. I highly recommend this book for anyone who's looking for any new books to read. For each of the books, I've included links to websites about each book, in the off chance that you're interested, and want to read someone else's opinion other than mine. If anyone else has read these books, feel free to comment via the comments.
Onto other news. The US has just confirmed to South Korea the other day that the test our friendly dictator performed was in fact a nuclear missile, and not a dud like his Taepo-dong missiles he fired earlier in the year. And while he's agreed to meet regarding the sanctions that the UN is threatning to place on him, I'm not holding my breath. Over here, the news has tired about North Korea, and its gone back to how it was before; only when its worthy. Otherwise, the world continues to turn. Oh, and that crashing noise you heard the other day? That was the Korean Won free-falling through the floor, and ruining my exchange rate:) I went from a richer man working here and sending it home, to just plain average. The Korean stock KOSPI opened to pretty much everyone pushing the "sell" buttons. Its leveled off now, but for a bit, it wasn't looking too good. As long as it doesn't dip below the US dollar, then I'll be fine. (Not like I can really do a whole lot about it).
Well, that's all for me. I hope all of you are not wasting your time with the media, and making sure to hear everything objectively instead of accepting everything they say. Don't work too hard, and I'll catch you around the bend...
God Bless,
Me