swanlee

Came across this in a second-hand book shop, a chance discovery as I'd never heard of this author before. Transpires he is very well known in North America, with some of his work being part of the education curriculum. For: If you are a fan of Robert Macfarlane. Indeed in the copy I have, Macfarlane writes the Intro. Seems Lopez is one of the authors that inspired Macfarlane to write about nature The book is focused on the Arctic, its nature, the people, the landscape. Its history, mystery, beauty and brutality. Also an exploration of our relationship with such a harsh and fragile environment. Giving as it does a backdrop to the exploration & commercial exploitation of the region, it is also for fans of The North Water & The Terror. Both TV mini-series that I enjoyed.

My days, I dunno' why I should be surprised ... His first book and it paints a depressing image of the english colonialist. I know Orwell is highlighting the inherent racism of the white man in India, I wouldn't advise though to any one sensitive to issues around political correctness. Gin-soaked alcoholics with abhorrent views on race, even I'm struggling with some of the language and attitudes Orwell is putting into the mouths of his main protagonists. Thoroughly engrossing read & insight though!

I heard sometime ago that this is staged. In that if you are appearing on TV in some professional capacity, then you are 'advised' to position one's self infront of a bookshelf. It subliminally transmits to the audience an air of authority & intelligence, the bookshelf indicating the subject is educated, informed & well-read. Having never been invited on Newsnight to discuss the topical issue of the day, I cannot verify with any certainty if there is any truth in this. But it could explain the absence of Harry Potter, 50 Shades of Grey & Marvel Annuals. PS I bought a second-hand copy of Cosmos by Carl Sagan off ebay after spotting it on Professor Brian Cox's book shelf

Confession time: Eric has in myself a newly acquired fanboy! Listening & loving this ......

Despite being a prodigious reader of literature from around the globe. Sadly Steinbeck is massively underrepresented on my bookshelf. This is directly related to the study of 'Of Mice & Men' at school. Which, whilst I enjoyed, regrettably meant the Steinbeck name became intrinsic to the musty smell of an uninspiring & drab comprehensive in Leicester. This i realise now needs to change - thx for the pointer - Travels with Charley on the wishlist!

Found myself a old 'n dusty second copy with yellowing paper and fading print. Perfect .......

If I had the chance ........

1/ Lent et douloureux 2/ Lent et triste 3/ Lent et grave

Always liked him, always wanted to see him push on and do well. I do hope he establishes himself but..... its Demari. Bags of flair, but what of application, focus, desire, drive .......? And Rafa's got designs on him being a number 10!? Gonna be an interesting watch.

Agree with the above - he looks class and a top signing. And hopefully he'll only get better. KDH impressed as well.

What's not to like .... the word 'discombobulation' is scattered throughout the text! And it inspired an array of new vinyl purchases.

This is heavy & spiritual ..... also the sound of the early 70's New York underground. Dunno what this fella' thought, but apparently Ravi Shankar despaired at the hedonism of the rock crowd. Peyote, psilocybin mushrooms, LSD and a hash pipe. I'm still reading and still on my drone trip.

Currently reading Monolithic Undertow by Harry Sword. Its about drone, the universal hum. He's writing about its use in music, religion and subculture. Covering everything from its neolithic beginnings, to fervent spiritualism, right through to acid house, industrial & avant-garde sound artists. Really good read. Although slow-going as he name checks loads of artists, tracks & albums which you feel compelled to check out online and listen. Today it was Indian raga and the sound of the sitar. Certainly would recommend to any music fan.

Enjoyed this, fascinating stuff. Koestler traces the history of cosmology from the ancient greeks through to Newton. Epicycle upon epicycle, although he spends a lot of time exploring the rabbit holes the proponents of varying systems found themselves down. He additionally presents a brief biography of each protagonist and outlines the political, cultural & intellectual climates that the likes of Copernicus, Kepler, Tycho & Galileo navigated.

Always been intrigued by this fella'. (Not least cos' he reminds me of me nan!) It wasn't what i was expecting though, but an interesting read nethertheless. And he seems like a nice fella'. Glad to hear he's kicked the opiates and is enjoying life. Might actually read some of his poetry now as well!

tense evening ..... now to unwind with beer & tunes....

I love this - so many catchy tunes. And not that it should make a difference .... but on clear vinyl too .... A lovely reissue.

AI & Big Data and the future of humanity ..... The Singularity meh! At last some erudite commonsense imo ......

Cool as psychedelic new-age headfunk.

Blew the dust off this one today. Sentimentality .... i am prone to it now and again.

Dug Malibu out the back of the record collection today ......

Wierd .... as i took a punt on this .... i didn't think it'd work. But it takes me somewhere nice & sane. Excellent!