Politics
White House of Chaos, Lies, Cards?
This is a very long, rambly post in which I discuss the recent NYT op-ed from an anonymous White House official.
Spoiler: I don’t like it.
Books
Book Review: So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson
(5/5 stars) This is an exploration of shame as a punishment, as a fundamental human impulse, as a force for good and bad. Ronson goes into a little bit of the history of how shame has been used in the past, but focuses especially on how shame functions in our internet-based society today. To wit, he explores several contemporary case studies in shaming.
This book functions in some ways as a collection of essays rather than a structured exploration of ideas. As such, there are points where he pursues aspects of shame that seem to be a digression from the core theme, for example the parts about Radical Truth and humiliation paraphilia. Those parts don’t make the book less interesting, but readers should be warned: you probably won’t come away with any strong conclusions about what can be done about internet lynch mobs.
In sum, this book is funny and thought-provoking. I highly recommend it.
Internet Stuff
Facebook Lives! Die, Facebook! Die!
Rumor’s of Facebook’s death are greatly exaggerated… but in some ways I hope they aren’t.
Philosophy
What is Free Will?
What do people actually mean when they talk about free will or volition? I don’t have any answers to that question, but I think about it from time to time and I thought this time I would jot down some of my thoughts.
Books
OMG. Book Reviews! And a Special Note.
I’m way behind on my book reviews again, so here’s catching up. Also, a special announcement regarding future reviews on this site.
Food
My Latin-Inspired Dinner Adventure!
Appetizers
– Pineapple-Ginger-Jalapeño Margaritas
– Avocado Shrimp Salsa
– Tostones
– Magic Green Sauce
Mains
– Carne Asada
– Mexican Grilled Corn
Desserts
– Mexican Chocolate Ice-Cream
– Dulce de Leche Ice-cream
– Churro bowls
Books
Book Review: Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
(5/5 stars) I’m not sure where I heard of Akata Witch; it was probably one of my podcasts. I was just excited to read a fantasy novel based on a magic system from a non-European mythology. I did not know it was a YA novel, though, and I was very delightfully surprised by what I found.
The story structure and plot aren’t exceptionally different from other stories of this sort: a young outsider learns that she has a destiny and finds camaraderie in a community of other outcasts. But the characters are fun and interesting. The culture is lush and fascinating. And the magic system is scary and fascinating. Overall, I really enjoyed this book quite a lot.
Books
Parasite (Parasitology, #1) By Mira Grant
(2/5 stars) Strange, inconsistent characterization in the main character combined with an extremely predictable plot made this a distinctly un-entertaining read for me. You can pretty much guess everything about this book from the summary on Amazon:
A decade in the future, humanity thrives in the absence of sickness and disease.
We owe our good health to a humble parasite — a genetically engineered tapeworm developed by the pioneering SymboGen Corporation. When implanted, the Intestinal Bodyguard worm protects us from illness, boosts our immune system — even secretes designer drugs. It’s been successful beyond the scientists’ wildest dreams. Now, years on, almost every human being has a SymboGen tapeworm living within them.
But these parasites are getting restless. They want their own lives . . . and will do anything to get them.
If you want a book about parasites taking people over, I would recommend The Girl with All the Gifts instead. And in my parasite hobbyist’s opinion, I think the chosen parasite in The Girl with All the Gifts makes more sense than a genetically modified tapeworm.
Books
A Review of Two Books About Google
I recently chose two audiobooks from one of my local public libraries and they just happen to both be about Google. Kinda. They are Mr Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan and The Circle by Dave Eggers.
It was a coincidence that they turned out to hinge on common themes and elements, but it was a very interesting contrast in perspective. Mr. Penumbra’s takes a rather positive view of technology and data and how it can help us solve mysteries and enjoy life more deeply. The Circle, however, takes a far warier view of our connected, internet society and the threat it poses to individual freedom and liberty.
I would recommend them both for different reasons. The first book is a fun, light-hearted mystery/adventure with lots of literary color. The second book is basically a horror story in the tradition of 1984 and A Brave New World.