BOOKS I'VE READ . . . AM READING . . . WILL READ

I am a book junkie. I like to buy books, talk about books, flip through books at the library, and not put them back in the right spot - gotta keep those librarians on their toes. Most of all I like to emerse myself in a book, either in print or on tape. Thank you again public library! If I had more time, that elusive jewel, I would read all the time - or at least all the time that I was not watching movies, making and eating food, playing in the outdoors, or sleeping. Alas work, chores, my commute, and other responsibilities interfere. Nevertheless, I do find some time in my increasingly scheduled life to read. Here is a short list of books that I have recently read, am currently reading (for those of you who know me, you know that I juggle about a half dozen books at a time . . . I know, it's weird), and books on deck:

BOOKS I'VE RECENTLY READ

1. The Dark Tower (The Dark Tower, Book 7) by Stephen King, Michael Whelan (Illustrator)

The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.

http://www.stephenking.com/DarkTower/

2. Gag Rule: On the Suppression of Dissent and Stifling of Democracy by Lewis H. Lapham

In this first serious book by the award-winning columnist in more than a decade, Lapham issues a call to action in defense of one of our most important liberties — the right to raise our voices against the powers that be and have those voices heard.

http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=2-0143035029-2

3. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Ever wanted to know how to build a cathedral? Here's how.

http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-0451166892-8


BOOKS I AM READING

1. Mountains Beyond Mountains: Healing the World: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer by Tracy Kidder

Think its impossible for one man to save the world? Read this tale about Paul Farmer and the work he is doing in Haiti.

http://www.pih.org/index.html

2. Operation Shylock: A Confession by Philip Roth

Zionism or Disasporism? That is the question.

http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-0679750290-0

3. Between a Rock and Hard Place by Aron Ralston

Would you have the cajones to do it? At first I thought "Yes. Of course. I'd cut my hand off with a dull pocket knife to save my life." The more I think about it however, I am not sure that I would have if put in that situation. Tough to tell.

http://www.aralston.com/

BOOKS I WILL READ

1. Haunted: A Novel by Chuck Palahniuk

Stephen King once said in an interview, "I want to hurt people [through my writing.]" If you've read 'Pet Semetary' or 'Misery' you might agree that he is a success.

But Chuck Palahniuk, author of 'Fight Club,' 'Lullaby,' and others, REALLY DOES HURT YOU! This is the kind of writing that gets deep under your skin and gives you the shivers. Cool!

http://www.avclub.com/content/node/21702

2. The Nasty Bits : Collected Varietal Cuts, Usable Trim, Scraps, and Bones by Anthony Bourdain

My two favourite memoirs about travel and food by a maniacal chef? 'Kitchen Confidential,' and 'A Cooks Tour' hands down! I am certain that 'The Nasty Bits' will make that list. Check this dude out if you have not read his books or seen him on the Travel Channel.

http://www.anthonybourdain.com/

Build a Better Bush

This helps. Trust me. Click on "Build a Better Bush" above to build one yourself.

“We Went to War with the Leadership we Had, Not the One we Needed”

On May 1, U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) released the following statement in rememberance of President Bush's "Mission Accomplished" speech aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Note: if you have not yet read the October 2005 Rolling Stone article about Rep. Emanuel titled "The Enforcer" I encourage you to do so. You can access the article at: http://www.rollingstone.come/politics/story/8091986/the_enforcer

And now, the May 1 press release . . .

“In honor of today's Mission Accomplished anniversary, allow me to remind the President of some of his "accomplishements" in Iraq:

“Predicting that the Iraq conflict would take no more than five months, that our troops would be greeted as liberators, that stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction would be found, and that Iraqi oil would finance the reconstruction.

“Ignoring Paul Bremer’s call for additional troops on the ground in the days following the invasion, leading to widespread looting, destruction of infrastructure, the escape of Baath Party officials and the development of a sustained insurgency.

“Failing to provide sufficient vehicle armor and body armor to protect American lives.Missing an opportunity to capture Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in 2002 and again in 2004.

“Allowing Iraq to become a haven for terrorism.

“Projecting the cost of the war would be $50 to $60 billion, when in reality – factoring in the cost of Afghanistan – current estimates are closer to $800 billion.

“Allowing the dereliction of leadership at Abu Ghraib, leading to systemic prisoner abuse.

“Failing to restore electricity and water to significant portions of Baghdad and Iraq.

“Losing track of $10 Billion that went missing from no-bid reconstruction contracts. Overstraining National Guard and Reserves resources.

“Neglecting homeland security, leading to 12 D’s, 5 F’s, and 2 incompletes from the 9/11 Commission.

“Since the President landed on the USS Abraham Lincoln and declared victory, we’ve lost 2,260 American lives, and current estimates project costs at $800 billion. Clearly we went to war with the leadership we had, not the one we needed.”

Colbert Roast's Bush, Pt. 1

Colbert Roasts Bush, Pt. 1

Stephen Colbert Roasts Bush at the Annual White House Correspndents Dinner

Stephen Colbert's roast at the annual White House Correspondents Dinner left the audience, including the President, speechless.