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Theme Changer

 Topic: What book are you reading?

 (Read 146560 times)
  • Previous page 1 ... 18 19 2021 22 ... 38 Next page « Previous thread | Next thread »
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #570 - March 28, 2012, 10:58 AM

    I got his book Black Swan: The Impact of the highly improbable yesterday, I'm looking forward to it.

    "Nobody who lived through the '50s thought the '60s could've existed. So there's always hope."-Tuli Kupferberg

    What apple stores are like.....

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8QmZWv-eBI
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #571 - April 02, 2012, 09:07 PM

    Let me know if its any good.
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #572 - April 02, 2012, 09:19 PM

    Np.

    I also got the moral landscape, by Harris. After.watching so many of his debates and disagreeing with many of his views I thought it would be useful to read his ideas on paper. Another relevant book I got is American Fascists by Chris Hedges. I've liked what he had to say so far and since hr book was written long ago in 07 I suspect it is an accurate prediction of the current religious right movement we see in modern day America. I would have prefered to get War is force that gives us meaning, but it wasn't available.

    "Nobody who lived through the '50s thought the '60s could've existed. So there's always hope."-Tuli Kupferberg

    What apple stores are like.....

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8QmZWv-eBI
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #573 - April 03, 2012, 01:18 PM

    I used to be a big fan of Sam, until he started making outrageous claims and pretty much tacitly defending the neocons. I think he might have even been on the payroll. I think (and many will disagree) both Hichkens and Harris display racist tendencies. I once emailed Hichkens about this about a claim he made about Pakistanis/Indians (don't know if it was in a book or somewhere else) but he never replied to my email. But maybe it wasn't racism just a prejudice but I started to boycott his books. When it comes to Geo-politics these guys totally suck. Richard Dawkins is good, he is genuine.
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #574 - April 03, 2012, 09:56 PM

    Sam Harris may have some harsh views on Islam-many of which I don't agree with, but he is definitely committed to anti-racism, more so than many other new atheists I have listened to. When it comes to issues of race and ethnicity he not only acknowledges the mistreatments of the past but also that it is vital that measures should be taken to fix them-I don't see how you can be further against racism than this.

    Hitchens took some odd positions towards the end of his life, but it seems that he never lost his principles, I think many were upset with his view towards the Iraq war and how it didn't change, even though public perception of it did. Having said that, I have never seen anything from him that suggests he was even close to racism, he spoke highly of the civil rights movement as well as movements for self determination world wide, so I don't see how you could call Hitchens racist.

    "Nobody who lived through the '50s thought the '60s could've existed. So there's always hope."-Tuli Kupferberg

    What apple stores are like.....

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8QmZWv-eBI
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #575 - April 03, 2012, 10:05 PM

    Quote
    I used to be a big fan of Sam, until he started making outrageous claims and pretty much tacitly defending the neocons.

    Yeah, he's an outright apologist of torture. I stopped liking him so much after reading his positions on torture and foreign policy.

    19:46   <zizo>: hugs could pimp u into sex

    Quote from: yeezevee
    well I am neither ex-Muslim nor absolute 100% Non-Muslim.. I am fucking Zebra

  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #576 - April 04, 2012, 10:15 PM

    Here's a great podcast with Sam. I think he defends his positions well, even though I have major disagreement with some things he says regarding US foreign policy.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGHMv73_j04
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #577 - April 04, 2012, 10:21 PM

    Yeah, he's an outright apologist of torture. I stopped liking him so much after reading his positions on torture and foreign policy.


    Yeah thanks, I knew there was something I was missing around. Am not sure (it might have been someone else) but I think he defended water torture (waterboarding), at least I think until Hickihens tried it and categorically said it was torture.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efh_6_-tHgY

  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #578 - April 04, 2012, 10:23 PM

    He knew it was torture but people would always say it’s ‘simulated’ drowning. After undergoing it he categorically stated it was ACTUAL drowning. And you can bet when it comes to suspected terrorists, they don’t pour the water so nicely and calmly over their faces!
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #579 - April 04, 2012, 10:28 PM

    ^ Nor do they get to drop a metal bar and make it stop instantly.

    Too fucking busy, and vice versa.
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #580 - April 04, 2012, 10:37 PM

    I used to be a big fan of Sam, until he started making outrageous claims and pretty much tacitly defending the neocons. I think he might have even been on the payroll. I think (and many will disagree) both Hichkens and Harris display racist tendencies. I once emailed Hichkens about this about a claim he made about Pakistanis/Indians (don't know if it was in a book or somewhere else) but he never replied to my email. But maybe it wasn't racism just a prejudice but I started to boycott his books. When it comes to Geo-politics these guys totally suck. Richard Dawkins is good, he is genuine.


    Again more bullshit from King Tut. Hitchens and Harris are not racists. You can disagree with their political views, but that statement is silly. Maybe you should provide some evidence?

    "Beauty is truth, truth beauty," - that is all
            Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.

    - John Keats
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #581 - April 04, 2012, 11:51 PM

    Again more bullshit from King Tut. Hitchens and Harris are not racists. You can disagree with their political views, but that statement is silly. Maybe you should provide some evidence?



    If you had the mental capacity to actually read the full paragraph you'd realize I abrogated racist with prejudice either that or your blind as 'al-Ma'arri'. Now, maybe if you got rid of some of that bullshit in your head that you have about me, you might actually have room to comprehend what I actually said before you spew shit while frothing at the mouth, and making yourself look like a ignorant fool.
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #582 - April 05, 2012, 12:08 AM

    Oh and I also remember, just before his death Hitch did another piece on Pakistan which was pretty borderline racist rant. So I stick to my point. Maybe someone can find it for me, am pretty sure it was published in vanity fair, he was basically going ape shit in the article while praising India as some far modern society, just to try and hide his bullshit, in case he was called on it. But am not going digging around for that old played out shit. I don't think he was a racist but he did have prejudices about cultures and societies he had made his mind up about.
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #583 - April 05, 2012, 12:17 AM

    So it was therefore pointless to ‘abrogate’ your previous comment of racism with the word ‘prejudice’?
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #584 - April 05, 2012, 12:27 AM

    So it was therefore pointless to ‘abrogate’ your previous comment of racism with the word ‘prejudice’?


    No, because I can't say for sure he is a racist, but definitely prejudice. I think he had preconceived ideas about some societies and cultures which were irrational. Maybe something to do with his politics possibly I don't know. But the fact of the matter is, that kind of stuff is not needed its a betrayal to your integrity as a public intellectual. This is why I like Dawkins, Dawkins is not prejudice, but can be EXTREMELY critical of your culture society etc based on facts and logic, not some cooked up paranoid theory, that the whole of one society and everyone in it is anti-Semitic I mean come on! 
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #585 - April 18, 2012, 12:51 AM

    Just finished:



    Fascinating book. It discusses the origins of Christianity, a religion which itself is apparently based on earlier forms of Greek mysticism, from Platonism to Pythagoreanism. Really gives one a new perspective of the New Testament.

    Currently reading:



    Only about 30 pages in, but so far, it kicks ass. And actually, it rather ties in nicely with the above title, just talking about Islamic mysticism as opposed to the Christian/Ancient Greek equivalents.
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #586 - April 18, 2012, 03:40 PM



    Finished The Hunger Games trilogy upon insistance from my 11 year old sister. Having no idea what it was about, I was pleasantly surprised.
    I'm looking forward to catching the movie when I get a chance. The book is a great read for a younger and older audience. However, the ending left me somewhat confused. I'm not sure If I loved it or hated the last 5% of the books. Also, I was so transfixed I finished all three in 3 days.

    I'm currently getting through this:



    Recommended to me by my counselor whom I regularly see. It's rather interesting. It's not revolutionary or shocking, and I find myself disagreeing with the rather overly beautified way the author views some things, but still a great read so far. It's definitely added to my life. He combines a lot of interesting ideas from various theologies and philosophies to support what he's saying, which is enjoyable but sometimes frustrating. I've taken some useful things out of it though.




    And...........I'm late but I haven't seen the movie yet and I want to read the book first. ^_^ It's alright so far but I'm not too far into it yet as I'm really busy right now! Hopefully it gets better.


    Also reading:



    Very interesting. It's about snap judgements and gut instincts. I love Malcom Gladwell. Smiley






    "If intelligence is feminine... I would want that mine would, in a resolute movement, come to resemble an impious woman."
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #587 - April 18, 2012, 04:10 PM

    "Blink" was really good!!!

    AND OMG THE HUNGER GAMES MOVIE WAS SOOOO SAD!!! Prepare to cry, if you're the crying type. Tongue

    Self ban for Ramadan (THAT RHYMES)

    Expect me to come back a Muslim. Cool Tongue j/k we'll see..
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #588 - April 18, 2012, 05:19 PM

    I cried reading the third book. So I might cry.  depends who I take with me :-)

    "If intelligence is feminine... I would want that mine would, in a resolute movement, come to resemble an impious woman."
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #589 - April 19, 2012, 01:14 AM

    I'm hesitant to read the third book of the HG trilogy, cuz I've heard it sucks. Tongue But yeah, the movie is really really sad in certain bits, I dunno how they did it. Maybe it was the music or something..

    Self ban for Ramadan (THAT RHYMES)

    Expect me to come back a Muslim. Cool Tongue j/k we'll see..
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #590 - April 19, 2012, 01:23 AM

    "Blink" was really good!!!

    AND OMG THE HUNGER GAMES MOVIE WAS SOOOO SAD!!! Prepare to cry, if you're the crying type. Tongue


    What is all the fuss about, not read the book, but went to see the movie, thought it was less than okay - a four out of ten. I mean it takes a fair bit of suspension of belief to imagine a time where ther would be a sport that involves children chosen/selected and pitted against each other to death in order to - I forget what the purpose was, but seriously...

    I am my own worst enemy and best friend, itsa bit of a squeeze in a three-quarter bed, tho. Unhinged!? If I was a dog I would be having kittens, that is unhinged. Footloose n fancy free, forced to fit, fated to fly. One or 2 words, 3 and 3/thirds, looking comely but lonely, till I made them homely.D
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #591 - April 19, 2012, 01:39 AM

    Kay, it was a book for teens. Obviously no teen wants to read about adults killing each other. Might as well watch Gladiator. Smiley Plus, the movie was also good because (a) Katniss was pretty (b) That Seneca Crane dude had a funny beard (c) It was gory, but not realistic enough to actually frighten anybody.

    So yeah. Plus, when Rue died, it was very sad. :(

    Self ban for Ramadan (THAT RHYMES)

    Expect me to come back a Muslim. Cool Tongue j/k we'll see..
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #592 - April 19, 2012, 12:54 PM

    I'm hesitant to read the third book of the HG trilogy, cuz I've heard it sucks. Tongue But yeah, the movie is really really sad in certain bits, I dunno how they did it. Maybe it was the music or something..


    The third book doesn't suck. It's very well written.It was merely very gritty. And the last 5% of the book (I can give a percentage because I was reading it on the kindle app for my phone literally everywhere I went and it gives you a percentage of how much you've read) was just written in a way that is interesting. It's extremely metaphorical and just throws the reader in a completely different direction. I still don't know if I liked the ending. I'll have to read it a second time. I was satisfied on some level, but I didn't feel she did justice to the personal lives of the three main characters Gale, Katnis, and Peeta. And the epilogue didn't sit well with me. It felt like she rather rushed the affair. And for me relationships and these personal little details are really important.

    But maybe that was the point. She wanted our minds to fill in the blanks. In life a lot of loose threads are never snipped neatly so perhaps we were meant to be unsatisfied with the conclusion of the love-triangle. It was rather sad. But what made me cry was...of all things, a cat.

    Anyway you should read it and decide for your self if it's sucky. Tongue
    What is all the fuss about, not read the book, but went to see the movie, thought it was less than okay - a four out of ten. I mean it takes a fair bit of suspension of belief to imagine a time where ther would be a sport that involves children chosen/selected and pitted against each other to death in order to - I forget what the purpose was, but seriously...


    I haven't seen the movie but yes you're right, it does take suspension of disbelief. However, in the book, you have to imagine that the setting and characters are compelling and so fleshed out that while a part of you might at first be hesitant to immerse yourself fully into that world, the author is good enough at the process of "world-building" that you eventually do get immersed despite how outlandish it might seem.  The history of the hunger games  and how they began is quite interesting and in the third book that is used effectively (I wont give spoilers away!).

    Perhaps the film wasn't as good at that process Smiley.

    "If intelligence is feminine... I would want that mine would, in a resolute movement, come to resemble an impious woman."
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #593 - April 19, 2012, 06:56 PM



    Phenomenal, especially the introduction relating to Japanese culture and the art of jisei (‘death poems’).
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #594 - April 19, 2012, 07:04 PM


    07:54 <harakaat>: you must be jema
    07:54 <harakaat>: considering how annoying you are
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #595 - April 19, 2012, 07:09 PM

    Thanks Ephemeral for suggesting The Hunger Games! It's one of the few books I can actually concentrate on and I'm loving it Afro
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #596 - April 20, 2012, 04:23 AM

    Smiley

    Yeah it's very enjoyable and immersive!

    let me know what you think!

    What bit are you on?

    "If intelligence is feminine... I would want that mine would, in a resolute movement, come to resemble an impious woman."
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #597 - April 20, 2012, 04:41 AM



    You have good taste

    So once again I'm left with the classic Irish man's dilemma, do I eat the potato or do I let it ferment so I can drink it later?
    My political philosophy below
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwGat4i8pJI&feature=g-vrec
    Just kidding, here are some true heros
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBTgvK6LQqA
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #598 - April 20, 2012, 07:22 AM

    Smiley

    Yeah it's very enjoyable and immersive!

    let me know what you think!

    What bit are you on?

    I'm at the start of the chapter when they all get into the arena, it's getting very interesting now!
  • Re: What book are you reading?
     Reply #599 - April 21, 2012, 12:56 AM

    Ritual by Graham Masterton. It's a horror novel that I've read before (I'm a huge fan of Graham Masterton), a good read if you like reading about a young boy who joins a cult that demands that it's members chop off their body bits for the leader.

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