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Showing posts from 2012

Wait: The Useful Art of Procrastination by Frank Partnoy

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Wait: The useful art of procrastination: Frank Partnoy: Books ISBN : 184668594X ISBN-13 : 9781846685941 What can a former investment banker teach me about timing and procrastination ? I held Frank Partnoy ’s book, Wait: The Useful Art of Procrastination, and turned it over in my hands as I meditated on the question. “Wait: The Useful Art of Procrastination” by Frank Partnoy talks about the reasons why slowing down when making decisions is better than speeding through the process. He explores the benefits of delay in decision making and the usefulness of timing in all things. While I believe these are good premises for writing a book, I feel this book did fall short in convincing us about the merits of “procrastination”. From the example of stock trading companies’ “ high-frequency trading ” to the timing of tennis players’ ball serves, Partnoy’s argument for procrastination seems weak and contrived. Most of his explanation seems as if he was arguing for something oth

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Season 5)

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I have enjoyed watching Star Wars Clone Wars animation episodes since its debut in 2008. I cooled off in Season 4 after Savage Opress ’ betrayal as it all went downhill after that episode. However, with the Dathomir massacre, Asajj Ventress ’ epiphany, and Dave Filoni bringing back Darth Maul, things were beginning to happen in the galaxy. I think there would be lots of fans waiting to see what the writers will do with the new Darth Maul as he is a mysterious character in the whole Star Wars saga . More importantly, I think we may get to see, in more details, the events that led to the fall of Anakin Skywalker . Season 5 starts on September 29th on Cartoon Network in the United States .

Book Review: Z.Apocalypse by Steve Cole

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Z. Apocalypse (Z Rex Trilogy): Steve Cole: Books ISBN : 1862307792 ISBN-13 : 9781862307797 Z.Apocalypse is the third book in the Z. trilogy written by Steve Cole . The book focuses on the final assault by Geneflow on the world. Geneflow is an organization that manufactures biotech weapons in the form of prehistoric beasts. This organisation simply enhances the strength and the abilities of these animals and uses them to attack the humanity. When Geneflow launches its final phase of attack on the world, it was left to a fourteen-year-old named Adam and his friend, Zoe, to use their abilities to communicate with prehistoric animals to stop Geneflow from taking over the world. With the help of a rogue beast, a pterosaur named Keera , Adam and Zoe plan a covert mission with the United States Army to take down Geneflow once and for all. Z.Apocalypse is easy to read because it distils difficult science and technology concepts into simple sentences. The start of the book reads like a

Book Review - Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage

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Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage: M.C. Beaton: Books ISBN : 1849011389 ISBN-13 : 9781849011389 The beginning of “ Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage ” is similar to one of Agatha Christie ’s books, yet different. The sentences are short, crisp, to the point. Not a word is wasted as MC Beaton draws us into Agatha Raisin’s backstory and her present circumstance. You do not need to read any other book to know what Agatha Raisin has been up to. You identify with her immediately. She seems...just like you. The book immediately delves into Agatha Raisin’s love life in Cotswold . She is about to marry James Lacey. She is nervous, hoping the wedding preparations will go well. She also wishes life after the wedding ceremony will be a happy one. Agatha’s first marriage to her ex-husband , Jimmy Raisin, has been difficult and bumpy. She does not want a repeat of that experience. Things turn awry when Jimmy Raisin, who Agatha thought was dead, shows up at the wedding. He claim

I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson

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… enough suspense to keep us guessing.

Book Review: George Washington Carver

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Written by: John Perry Published by: Thomas Nelson   George Washington Carver (Christian Encounters Series) eBook: John Perry: Kindle Store ASIN : B0058EFT40 I once read somewhere that a good book never attracts attention to itself. Instead it draws readers to the issues it speaks about, allowing individuals to see situations as they are. The biography of George Washington Carver by John Perry is such a book. Without rambling or fancy words, it shows the life of an inventor in its glorious and inglorious light. The book reveals George Washington Carver’s humility, work ethic , kindness as well as his occasional vanity and stubbornness. The book starts with a background of Carver’s childhood in Missouri as a son of slaves. The author takes time to reflect on the brutal and unforgiving social stratum at that time telling us how Carver and his parents are kidnap

Life is a Radio

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Life is not an iPod (Photo credit: sucelloleiloes ) I recently heard the phrase: “Life is not an iPod but a radio.” This statement is true. I once had thoughts similar to this while fiddling with my wife’s iPod on my way to work. This activity left me exasperated as I had to skip three or more songs for every single track I truly enjoyed. While on this task, my mind strayed to the days of Sony Cassette Walkman when all you had was the fast-forward and rewind buttons. With these two buttons, getting to the parts you love in a cassette can sometimes take up to two minutes. With that particular technology, you tend to listen to most of an album; even when it is not so good. Life is not an iPod but a radio. Just as we cannot skip, fast-forward, or rewind songs on a radio, we cannot pick and choose what comes to us in life. The best we can do is change the frequency to another station where we still do not have control over what is said or played. We all experience bad and goo

Hiatus – Moving House

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I am moving house, hence, this blog would remain as it is until next week. Hopefully, I should be able to start writing short pieces as from next Saturday. Sayonara !

The Last Samurai – John Man

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The book is about ancient Japan ’s cultural shift, the rise and fall of the samurai, and the story of one man called Saigo who had a part in ushering in a dramatic change in Japan ’s cultural, economic, and political landscape. The book starts as far back as the seventh century, when Japan first came together under an emperor. It is said that this imperial unity lasted for about 500 years and forms the bedrock of the earliest samurai traditions. The samurai tradition flourishes for many centuries and remains a dominant force even after Japan was unified in 1600. After 1600, these “violent, proud, and prickly warriors continue survive on “rice-stipends wrung as tax from farmers, merchants, and artisans, and would remain a vital force for another 300 relatively peaceful years.” The arrival of American ships in 1845 opens the country after 250 years of isolation and alters the course of Japanese history. It is amid these events that a samurai named Saigo grew in political stature an

Getting Away from “Breaking News”

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Are you a person who watches , reads, or listens to news while preparing for work? Or maybe you do any of these things while working. I used to; but not so much anymore. The usual answer I give to the question why I don’t watch news anymore is that I do not want to listen to any more bad news . I have met few people who say they don’t watch, read, or listen to the news anymore because of its gloomy contents. News come via many media. Radio, TV , and mobile apps have become trendy over the years because of the inquisitive nature of humans. We love to know what others are going through. We check our phones every day, often, for the latest juicy gossip or updates on an event far away. Our news corporations cater to our hunger, hosting 24-hour programmes with exclusive news from around the world. Whether we like it or not, we identify with what we hear, whether about ourselves or other people. We share people’s pain and unconsciously envy or rejoice with those who have done well. Y

Free Audiobook – Road to the Resurrection

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Title Road to the Resurrection Explore and Share the Miracle of Easter Author Greg Laurie Narrator Ray Porter Runtime 2.5 Hrs. - Unabridged Publisher christianaudio   “A guidebook to the facts and circumstances surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. The listener will examine the people, places and timeline of that first Easter. But more than that, delve into the prophecies of those events, given hundreds of year prior, as well what happened after Christ rose from the dead.” You can download “Road to the Resurrection” by Greg Laurie at christianaudio .

A Welcomed Addition

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I used to love the Amplified Bible because of its unique feature of expanding on word meanings, thus making comprehension easy and reading enjoyable. It is good seeing another bible ( Expanded Bible ) of its kind making a bow on the scene. I have heard people say the print version of the Expanded Bible is a lot better than the ebook version. However, I have to say I did enjoy the book because it was easy for me to check up reference verse(s) with a click and not by flipping hundreds of pages. Apart from easy navigation, the translation in itself is clear, simple, and authoritative. Its clarity and directness makes it easy to comprehend and ponder on. Moreover, the expanded words are well researched as they help illumine the passage and shine more light on its context. I cannot recommend the Expanded Bible enough. It is a welcomed addition to the family of exceptional bible translations.

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Death Always Turns Looking Eyes Inwards

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Article first published as Death Always Turns Looking Eyes Inwards on Blogcritics . Fabrice Muamba ’s collapse in a FA Cup match between Bolton Wanderers Football Club and Tottenham Football Club on March 17, 2012 made headlines around the world. The Bolton midfielder, 23 years old, had a cardiac arrest about 40 minutes into the match, crumbling in a heap. It is not the first time a player collapsed on the pitch, as soccer fans will remember Marc Vivien Foe , Bobsan Elejiko, and Goran Tunjic, who all died while kicking football. But for every death, we can also remember footballers who survived this phenomenon like Kanu Nwankwo , Fadiga, etc. Happily, Fabric Muamba can count himself among the latter as he is presently reported to be recuperating, though still in intensive care. My fascination with Fabrice Muamba’s issue was not the heart problem itself but the reaction it generated in England. For days, including today, I continually read and watched weird messages of support

Book Review - A Small Free Kiss in the Dark

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Publisher: Templar ISBN: 9781848770270 Published Date: Sun 01st May 2011 Format: Paperback   Glenda Millard , the author of “A Small Free Kiss in the Dark”, said the background for her book was from an article she read about Freegans (meaning: people who survive on what other people waste). “From there my thoughts progressed to wondering what life would be like for a young homeless boy,” she said. The protagonist, Skip, is a boy in survival mode during a war . He leaves school with minimum personal effects from his home and goes out into the streets, seeking to avoid death and hoping for a better life. Shortly after Skip flees home and school, he meets Billy, a middle-age man. They form a friendship, eating and living together in an abandoned library. Unusual for a refugee of war, Skip still nurtures a dream of becoming an artist. This drive even makes him to steal books from the library...shortly before enemy soldiers bomb the building. Skip and Billy’s journey lead them to me

Halo 4–Master Chief is Back.

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I am a fan of the Halo franchise , because of the intriguing gameplay and more importantly, because of its interesting backstory . Few console games combine good story line with engaging play… which Halo manages to do. Bungie announced in 2010 that Halo 3 was its final game, and that all Halo games in the future will be made by 343 Industries . As expected 343i recently made an announcement about the making of Halo 4 . This announcement had me interested, especially as the studio said Halo 4 will come with some specific features. Firstly, Master Chief ’s humanity and back story, which until no w had only been shown in comics and books will be delved into in a deeper way for Halo 4. Also, 343i has indicated that the level of threat that Master Chief faces will be upgraded. As a writer, I will be happy to see how Master Chief’s background will be weaved into the game campaign (note: there is also some rumours about Cortana taking center stage in the new game). Part of the additi

Free Audiobook: A Tale of Three Kings (G. Edwards)

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Author Gene Edwards Narrator Paul Michael Runtime 2.25 Hrs. - Unabridged Publisher christianaudio Hovel According to ChristianAudio : “This modern classic will bring light, clarity, and comfort to the broken-hearted. Many Christians have experienced pain, loss, and heartache at the hands of other believers. To those believers, this compelling story offers comfort, healing and hope. Christian leaders and directors of religious movements throughout the world have recommended this simple, powerful, and beautiful story to their members and staff. You will want to join these other people who have been profoundly touched by this incomparable story. This tale by Gene Edwards is based on the biblical figures of David, Saul , and Absalom .” This audiobook can be downloaded on ChristianAudio regardless of where you live. This means there is no restriction to download. However, you need to register first.

Groping for a Light Switch

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Human nature drives man to seek something deeper, some meaning. For without it we have no purpose and no hope. With only this as evidence, how can there not be a Creator?   :Benchmark-Jnr Some say that the greatest knowledge of all is “knowing one’s self”. “Who are you?” is alleged to be one of the key questions of life. But I doubt if the answer to that question can be entirely found in a single day or a year. The question of who we are is a long exhausting equation we must solve to find peace and fully function in this world. I am a slow-learner and like to think things through - I doubt if I can put that on my CV, though. This is because I love to think of myself as witty, knowledgeable, driven, and sharp. Books, TV , and movies have taught me that witty, active, and knowledgeable people make it to the “top”. Laid-back people don’t. Meek people don’t. Slow learners don’t. Everyone acts the part of the smart, even if they aren’t. We pretend and weasel our way through life

Writers Speak on their Craft

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Writer Wordart (Photo credit: secretagent007 ) I compiled almost all of the quotations below about five years ago (that was before I started any serious writing). Most of these tips are from scraps of newspapers, old dusty books, and the likes. Unfortunately, when I was compiling most of these quotes, I didn’t write the names of the writers who wrote them (I knew no better then). In any case, the instructions below are written or spoken by experienced writers. I hope these words help guide someone… as they guided me. · A book, whether fact or fiction, must be honest above all, and after that, it must communicate, grip, entrance someone else. Otherwise, it has no reason to exist beyond feeding the author’s self-indulgence and vanity. It takes not one but two people to make a book: the writer and the reader. · A novel should be an expression of your private, honest, and unique self; honest but not undisciplined. Expression must be conveyed in narrative that will interest and

CHRISTIAN ENCOUNTERS–J R R TOLKIEN

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J.R.R. Tolkien (Christian Encounters Series) By Mark Horne Thomas Nelson (paperback, 176 pages) Christian Encounters is a series of biographies made by Thomas Nelson. The biographies is based on people whose influences shaped the Church in glaring or understated ways. The books, all fewer than 200 pages, are to give us a glimpse into these peoples’ desires, struggles, and perspectives. Christian Encounters, JRR Tolkien , was written by Mark Horne. The author book starts from the country of Tolkien’s birth, South Africa , and proceeds to his permanent move to England. The author explores the impact of his environment on him – mostly the climate and the vegetation, which fuels Tolkien’s love for hills, green lands, forests, and his growing distrust of modern machinery. More prominent is the influence of Tolkien’s mother and the sacrifices she makes so that her children can go to school and attend a catholic church. Even when times are tough, she home-schools Tolkien to

Tim Keller on True Happiness

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This is one of the most impactful and biblical illustration I have ever heard on the subject of happiness. Tim Keller says, “ Happiness can never be found directly…..happiness is always and only a by-product of seeking something else more than happiness…..The person who is happy is always the one who has stopped trying so hard to be happy...” I am honoured to share it here. From Kellers sermon 'The Search for Happiness' If you are interested in the full sermon, please check Bear Creek Church.

Makeda by Randall Robinson

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Makeda tells the story of a special bond between Gray and his grandmother . Gray’s grandmother is named Mattie Gee Florida March, but she confides to her grandson that her real name is Makeda Gee Florida March. Though Makeda is blind, she fires up Gray’s imagination with stories she “sees” in her dreams. One of the stories features her as a daughter of a Dogon priest in 12th Century where she tells her grandson of the religious and astrological knowledge of the Dogon. These dreams spark a quest in Gray, who goes to lengths to corroborate her grandmother’s story visiting the Dogon tribe in Mali , West Africa . The book, Makeda, deals with the subject of race, religion, love, and family. The author, Randall Robinson , takes us through the civil rights movement in America through the eyes of Gray. We feel his innermost thoughts, passion, and confusion about the world he lives in. I was glad I did not put Makeda down after reading the first five chapters. The opening was tedious an

The Children of Hurin by J.R.R. Tolkien

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Cover of The Children of Hurin   The Children of Hurin was first written as a condensed version in other Tolkien’s books, i.e. Unfinished Tales and The Silmarillion . The longer version of the tale was put together by the help of Christopher Tolkien, the third son of J.R.R. Tolkien , who in his own words wrote that the reason for the long version was so that: “…a window might be opened onto a scene and a story set in an unknown Middle-earth that are vivid and immediate,...: the drowned lands in the west beyond the Blue Mountains where Treebeard walked in his youth, and the life of Turin Turambar , in Dor-lomin , Doriath , Nargothrond, and the Forest of Brethil.” The long version of The Children of Hurin opens up the fate of one of the earliest human family in Middle-earth during the Elder Days and what becomes of the family. Hurin, the lord of Dor-lormin and husband to Morwen , departs for war with his allies against Morgoth, a Valar who escapes from the Blessed Real

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

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Image via Wikipedia Without the book cover or title, Marcus Aurelius ’ Meditations can pass for an 18th century manuscript; it reads like a modern religious text . Robin Hard’s translation is a masterpiece in clarity and conciseness. Meditations is a private and self-addressed journal of Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor around 161AD. The journal is written mostly during his military campaign in Germany . This particular edition of Meditations is divided into twelve books and includes a selection of private letters between Marcus Aurelius and his mentor, Fronto . One of the central themes of Meditations is finding one’s place in the universe, as a living being with a purpose. As one of quotes in Meditations illustrates: “Early in the morning, when you find it so hard to rouse yourself from sleep, have these thoughts ready at hand: Why, then, am I so irritable if I am going out to do what I was born to do….Do you not see how the little plants,….the spiders, the be

The Horse at the Gates by DC Alden

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The Horse at the Gates majors on one of the primary fears of western governments: a world of uncontrolled immigration. After a nuclear bomb destroys Islamabad, millions travel to Europe seeking sanctuary. Because of the sheer size of the influx, there are reports of violence and deaths in refugee camps in Britain. But there is more trouble brewing in London where another explosion destroys a mosque, causing chaos and condemnation across the Islamic world. At the root of all the intercontinental commotion is a terrorist plot aiming at shifting power from old hands, ushering in a new age of Islamic rule. It is clear that DC Alden spent an enormous time researching his plot, characters, and location. The story is gripping, deep, controversial, and bold in its construction. Many critics look at the political events happening in our time and wonder if DC Alden is making a statement through The Horse at the Gates . However, as a work of fiction, it is a pleasant read. Publisher: Sel

Review - The Lazy Tour Of Two Idle Apprentices

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The Lazy Tour Of Two Idle Apprentices was an account of Wilkie Collins' and Charles Dickens's escapades around Cumberland in 1857. Collins was portrayed as Mr. Idle (a born-and-bred idler) while Dickens was Mr. Goodchild (laboriously idle). The highlights of the journey include Mr. Idle's accident at Carrock Fell (a mountain) where he sprained his ankle. This accident caused Mr. Idle to reflect on the single cause of most his misfortunes in life - being deluded into activity and labour. This conclusion led him to believe being idle is the safest and best course of life for him. There was also the story of a man who caused the death of his bride and inherited all her property. He killed her secret admirer as well and buried him underneath a tree in his garden. Though he had wanted to sell the house before the murder, he decided not to. He lived in the house for a long time and tended the garden himself instead of his gardener. The Lazy Tour Of Two Idle Appre