Once, I watched a friend build frames for a renovation on his house. He built a solid frame that would hold up under building codes, but he didn't know why those codes existed. How did the code relate to the actual loading and structural requirements? What was really happening with the loads in the frames? … Continue reading Review: Retreat from Moscow
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Review: Checkpoint Charlie
In Iain MacGregor’s Checkpoint Charlie the history of this contentious crossing comes alive. MacGregor explores the conflict through the people that inhabited the city, that crossed the border, that lived on the front line of the Cold War.
Review: Sailing True North
When studying leadership, looking to leaders of the past provide ample examples of the characteristics of good leaders. Studying the character of leaders that you admire is a great way to prepare yourself to be a leader. In Sailing True North, Admiral James Stavridis (retired) sketches quick biographies of ten admirals that he admires. Stretching … Continue reading Review: Sailing True North
Review: Fallen (Alex Verus #10)
I always loved the Dungeons and Dragons alignment tables. The world has always felt too big to just slip everything into a good versus evil fight. It lacks nuance. But the addition of neutral adds a third option and instant complexity. Neutrality incites questions. If the character doesn't choose evil, why wouldn't the character choose … Continue reading Review: Fallen (Alex Verus #10)
2019 Fall TBR Pile
The summer fly by, and my to be read pile has shifted. I’ve got through all of my Summer 2019 To Be Read Pile and have only one book left from the TBR Pile Update in June. So, it’stime for another look at my to be read pile. This fall tilts heavily toward history with … Continue reading 2019 Fall TBR Pile
Review: Something Deeply Hidden
According to quantum mechanics, it's entirely possible that there are multiple copies of you reading multiple copies of this review. The many worlds approach to quantum mechanics says that the world decoheres into various branches. Branching reality is a difficult subject, but it is one that makes sense when interpreting exactly what quantum physics represent. … Continue reading Review: Something Deeply Hidden
Review: The Elements of Fiction
I have a confession to make. I’ve never read any Easy Rawlins books. That series has always been on my to be read list, and one day at the library, I picked up what I thought was an Easy Rawlins novel. In my defense, I was in a hurry and just saw the name Walter … Continue reading Review: The Elements of Fiction
Review: How to Be an Antiracist
Once while riding in a van headed to the airport after a few days of martial arts training, I told a story to the friends I traveled with. I don't remember the story at all, but I distinctly remember one part of it. At some point, I said "…the black man…" and my friend replied, … Continue reading Review: How to Be an Antiracist
Mini Review Four Audiobooks
Mini Review Four Audiobooks Audiobooks are a regular part of my reading life. During my commute and workday, I listen to books or podcasts. Lately, I’ve had a run of really, really good audiobooks. Ones that I will listen to again. Ones that I may even read. Since I don’t listen to audiobooks with the … Continue reading Mini Review Four Audiobooks
Review: The Hound of Justice
Novels offer us options. One could view novels as paths not taken, and dystopian, political, and near-future fiction can be viewed as the path not yet taken. In recent years, the United States has become a divided nation in ways not thought possible just a few decades ago. Hate crimes are on the rise, as … Continue reading Review: The Hound of Justice