Yes, exactly. I liked the way things suddenly flipped, due to Lo-Tsen’s decision. We were lulled into thinking that the mummies were all-powerful and all knowing, at least within their realm. Though, this was our error—the narrator never actually told us this. I liked the way Hilton tells the story in a strictly neutral fashion. But because we have read utopian stories in the past, we make certain erroneous assumptions that only heighten the various plot surprises. In my view, the philosophical problem posed is much more interesting given that the narrator gives the best possible argument for the other side. I wonder what the majority reaction is? We all can sympathize with Shangri-La. Who wouldn’t? But how many people actually think it is right, or natural, or a good idea in any sort of permanent way? Julie is with me here. But is that because she is a Christian? Is this a secular vs. a Judeo-Christian thing? And, as for me, though not yet a Christian, I’m against that dull and slithery concept—moderation. Like Chesterton, give me red and white please, not pink. I’m totally on board if we are only talking about a two-week spa vacation. But otherwise (as I stated in my review), let’s bomb the fuckers. Are we agreed?

posted by oakesspalding at 2:01 am (EST) on Sep 5, 2007

No, but they do have that effect. Arghhhhhh!!!!!

posted by oakesspalding at 10:02 pm (EST) on Aug 19, 2007

Ooh, I just saw you enter HP7 on the new homepage.

posted by timspalding at 1:30 pm (EST) on Jul 21, 2007

Argh!!! Your grumpiness when it comes to science fiction has reached new and astounding heights! How can you POSSIBLY give Eyes only one-and-half stars?! It is a CLASSIC fantasy novel--one of the funniest I have ever read. The ending alone is worth two additional stars at least!

posted by oakesspalding at 1:22 am (EST) on Feb 15, 2007

I would like to read Children of Men and am looking for a copy without Clive Owen on the cover. As I understand it, the movie changes the story a fair amount to emphasize the "right-wing" nature of the government--herding immigrants into camps, etc. I am so tired of that sort of thing--somewhat the same trick was played with V For Vendetta--and I refuse to subsidize any more such efforts that, in my view, get the politics so EXACTLY wrong. Have you seen the movie yet?

posted by oakesspalding at 12:47 am (EST) on Jan 6, 2007

Thanks. Reading that pamphlet brought back fond memories of London and leafing through the political tracts in the Alternative Bookshop--a conservative/libertarian bookshop near Covent Garden. I kept the sneering to a minimum.

posted by oakesspalding at 7:37 pm (EST) on Oct 8, 2006

By the way, I'm reading De Jasay's The State. Much better than Foucault--as C.S. Lewis wrote on the back page of Don Quixote: "Never again!" I have had a couple of De Jasay's books for some years and have felt guilty for not reading them. It's too bad he is not more generally known. (Or perhaps he is?)

posted by oakesspalding at 3:41 am (EST) on Aug 6, 2006

And another thing, why do you keep reading 1-star books? (And don't say it's because I recommended them--a) The Forge of God is NOT such a book, and b) I wouldn't have recommended the Friedman. The sands of your life are running out. Make the best of the time you have left.

posted by oakesspalding at 2:03 am (EST) on Jul 31, 2006

YOU are holding the line against star inflation. Only Naipaul, O'Toole, Pascal and your mother receive the coveted five star appellation. I really should read Naipaul's Islam books. I never finished Biswas. O'Toole was funny but it didn't change my life. I've never actually read Pascal, being put off by his "wager," though, I'm sure the secondary sources have misdescribed it. Your mother comes highly recommended. Send me one of her books. Now, when will YOU write a novel? You know, the first space opera written from a thoroughly Straussian perspective? :) I'll see you in a few weeks--I will take a long weekend soon. Are there any good new red meat places in Boston?

posted by oakesspalding at 2:06 am (EST) on Apr 12, 2006

I didn't know that you were my drill-sergeant. I thought I was giving YOU treadmill lessons. Will call soon. Have been busy with work.

posted by oakesspalding at 1:07 am (EST) on Mar 30, 2006