Overall, a mixed read. Certainly some useful parts, such as a recipe for vinyl cleaning fluid, but also lots of pseudo-science. However, I found it a worthwhile read, as long as you take the common "audiophile" dicta (microphonic vibrations, the importance of silver wire, etc.) with an appropriate bit of skepticism. I originally had intended to rate this a three out of five, but the following passage earned the additional star:
Page 355, speaking of the inherent compromise in buying a specific component, "Which compromise you make depends on the kind of music you like to listen to the most. Rock demands power and bass to sound really authoritative. One pair of mono tube amps listened to for a while was pretty unimpressive until it was used to play rock. Then, at 200 watts a channel, it made the Cream's live version of "Spoonful" on Wheels of Fire just spring alive. You could almost smell the Fillmore's dusty old seats, the dope- and incense filled air, the ... you fill in the rest."
Page 355, speaking of the inherent compromise in buying a specific component, "Which compromise you make depends on the kind of music you like to listen to the most. Rock demands power and bass to sound really authoritative. One pair of mono tube amps listened to for a while was pretty unimpressive until it was used to play rock. Then, at 200 watts a channel, it made the Cream's live version of "Spoonful" on Wheels of Fire just spring alive. You could almost smell the Fillmore's dusty old seats, the dope- and incense filled air, the ... you fill in the rest."
A wonderful, quick read. The book is divided into many short chapters, covering different aspects of rural life in Vermont. The only part of the book that I didn't enjoy was a short section about raising sheep and preparing them for slaughter. That being said, it's true to lifestyle this book discusses, and is certainly a worthy inclusion. All in all, this can serve as an instruction manual for flatlanders looking to make the jump.
A good conceptual overview. Some of the points it the book, such as workers taking control of their factories, are no longer relevant, as there is not nearly the same level of industrial production in this country. That being said, certainly lots of good ideas to be found. A more modern look at these concepts would be welcome.
Quite good. I enjoy a good deal of this book, but the treatment of female charecters and sexual identity was a bit unsettling. This link brings up a few of the gripes I had. http://www.tor.com/blogs/2010/12/smug-messiah-robert-a-heinleins-stranger-in-a-s...
Privacy in Context: Technology, Policy, and the Integrity of Social Life (Stanford Law Books) by Helen Nissenbaum
A dense, informative read. Lots of references to court cases, setting legal precedent for some of the author's opinions. It also touches on some philosophical points regarding the definition of some key concepts. I'd imagine this being required reading in a graduate level IT policy course.
The Art of Intrusion: The Real Stories Behind the Exploits of Hackers, Intruders and Deceivers by Kevin D. Mitnick
Enjoyable, fast read. It included enough technical details to keep me interested. But, it did not overwhelm the reader with jargon to the extent that someone without a technical background would be lost. I only wish it was written a bit more recently. Perhaps a follow up will be released in the next few years? I look forward to reading other work by Kevin.