No comments about Love in the 90's: The Story of a Lifelong Love : A Granddaughter's Portrait.

1 comments about A Life of Shakespeare (Naxos Audio).

1. A new addition to the generally excellent series of Naxos Audio Books is Hesketh Pearson's (NA 221612). Here we have a 2:27 hour abridgment read by the now internationally known British actor Simon Russell Beale, with very short scenes read by David Timson, Daniel Philpott, and Caroline Faber.

   Many scholars might carp at the choice of authors, since Pearson takes things from an actor's point of view; and a good deal of his assumptions are based on the "fact" that running a theater back then differed little from Pearson's own experiences in that field.

   He tries to run a careful course between using passages from the plays as "proof" that Shakespeare must have thought thus and so and realizing that what a character says in a play may not (and probably doesn't) reflect the author's personal point of view. (Often the former method is valid. For example, Shakespeare almost never makes a positive reference to dogs or a negative one to highly spiced foods. One can reasonably assume he disliked dogs and bland food.)

   Yet Pearson often makes statements that rest on lines from the plays but do not really prove anything. Can we really take Othello's plea before killing himself as Shakespeare's own? Especially annoying is basing claims that the actor Shakespeare played certain parts on mere say so's that have been passed on from one generation to the other. It would be nice to know, for example, that Shakespeare acted the Prologue to "Henry V" so he could point to himself as "the bending author"; but this seems wish-fantasy on Pearson's part rather than even reasonable surmise. But Pearson is never boring and that is what also counts in a recorded reading such as this one.

   Beale's delivery cannot be faulted, nor can the short contributions of the three assistants. I know that I will play this many times again, especially on long car rides. I opted for the CD version (which I transferred to tape for the car), and there are enough tracking cues to make finding what you want pretty easy. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Hollywood Hulk Hogan.

1. There is no denying Hulk Hogan's place in pop culture; the charismatic character, along with Vince McMahon then being on top of his game in marketing, made pro wrestling a major entertainment vehicle.
   
   I saw it in the Cleveland, OH, which once had weekly TV tapings and shows, but fell apart literally overnight when popular wrestler Johnny Powers fled the city in the midnight hour, leaving behind unpaid bills and unpaid employees from a series of closed health clubs.
   
   Periodic shows were being run by a number of companies - including the WWF - at the Cleveland Convention Center. But the area caught fire with the WWF's second show at the Richfield Coliseum with the first appearance of Hogan, defending the world title against Jesse Ventura. The show sold out, which became common during Hogan's peak years as the champion face who would pin the bad guy or avenge the "loss" - those Dusty finishes - at the next show.
   
   Like all the books in the WWE catalog, it follows a standard script of bringing the character to real life. I found particularly interesting his dealings with Mr. T and how he got the part in Rocky III (and why Hollywood contracts need to be read and re-read and read some more before signing).
   
   The book may not change the minds of critics who have ravaged him over the years for a lack of technical wrestling ability and for the oftentimes embarrassingly bad movies. But his story is as important as any pro wrestler's from the 1980s to today.



2. HULK HOGAN ABOY BORN IN VENICE BEACH CALIFORNIA HE STARTED PLAYING BASEBALL IN FLORIDA THEN AFTER A FEW YEARS LATERS HE MET MUTSADA AND BECAME A REALLY GREAT WRESTLER AND HE BECAME THE FIRST THREE TIME CHAMPION THIS BOOK REALLY ENSPIRED ME TO GO FOR MY GOALS AND NEVER QUIT.



3. Despite the two Star Rating that I gave to this book, This book did have it's good points. I liked how Hogan told the story of how he was a fat little kid who would eventually become the person that put Wrestling on the map. According to Hogan, he was a fat kid. Also his rise through the Wrestling ranks, and how he had to pay his dues before he became the Hulk Hogan we all know today. He seriously thought about giving up Wrestling altogether. Thank god he didnt, otherwise we wouldnt of had such Wrestling Master Pieces like Starcade 1997.
   
   
   I'm a huge fan of Hulk Hogan, but this book left a lot to be desired.
   I know others touched on this, but he says the word "brother" an awful lot, it was like he was cutting a 400 page promo.
   
   I have two main critcisms with this book. The first one is, this isnt a biography really, its more like Hogan trying to protect his massive ego.
   Like how he said Warrior wasnt worthy of being the new champion and he was right, He also defended his plan to Win the belt at Wrestlemania 9, 10 seconds after Bret Hart already lost to Yokozuna. Bret Hart couldnt beat Yokozuna in a 15 minute match, but Hogan beat Yoko in like 10 seconds. I dont know how you can defend that but Hogan managed to do it.
   
   
   My other criticism of this book is, he touched on things nobody cared about. Like his role in Rocky 3, he wrote a lot about that. *yawn*
   or his matches with Dennis Rodman as his tag team partner, against Karl Malone and DDP *yawn*
   
   I wanted to hear more about his last years in the WWF/E the creation of NWO and his take on it. And more about the bad blood between him and Savage. But all that is skipped over. All the interesting points in his career are glossed over real quick, or barely mentioned at all.
   
   If you're a fan of Hogan, I reccomend reading it, but if you're not a fan of his Massive Titanic sized Ego, dont read it.



4. I could go into long detail on his "rationalization" of controversial fixes Hogan was caught up in like steroids, Vince and holding back younger wrestlers through his backstage politics.
   However, this one important timepiece Hogan makes pretty much no mention of whatsoever was Starcade 1997 and Sting. He never once admits to having too big of an ego to cleanly lose to Sting/Steve Borden at all in this book. Skirting a well known wrestling feud where his ego was put ahead of "what was best for business" in WCW at the time with Sting automatically negates this book as a TRUE AND HONEST AUTOBIOGRAPHY.



5. Hulk Hogan, the modern icon of pro wrestling, admits right away the supposed "sport" is rigged, the outcomes of matches predetermined. For that he should be commended. Otherwise, this book isn't that great, it's Hulk Hogan's autobiography telling people he wanted to see how much money they could make off this. Hogan was making like a million dollars a show and when WCW peaked it was a hundred million dollar a year industry. Vince Russo ruined wrestling for good, making Hogan job to people like Billy Kidman, which ended up in Vince McMahon buying WCW for a mere 3 million dollars. His only halfway believable angle with was Zeus in 1989. Brutus Beefcake was blown way out of proportion; he doesn't even mention the near fatal face accident and current blindness. It's marketed at families with no sense of humor. He comes clean on his steroids abuse, which we've all known for years. Hulk Hogan strikes me as someone who took his real life persona too seriously, as a redneck body builder. He admits finally although he's really part French, he is otherwise of descent from a third world country- the blonde Irishman wasn't believable. They should've made Roddy Piper the main guy, inflation wouldn't be so high. Commend Hogan for picking up the ball that was dropped by: Bob Backland, Ultimate Warrior, Lex Luger, Sting, The Giant, Batista...

5 comments about Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

1. It is indeed a shame that this book is not currently in print. I first listened to this book in audio format, and I am still impressed today. Ms. Noonan thoughts are intriguing and resonate within me. A good book for luxury reading, I highly recommend it.



2. For those enjoying Peggy Noonan, her thoughful essays of how her life evolved in the 1990's will be a delight.
   The topics are not especially political (although politicians are mentioned). The first part is about the lack of vision by Republicans that led to Clinton's election. The later essays, however, are mainly about personal transition, including that of being a single parent and returning to spiritual values.
   Much of this mirrors the evolving lives of the baby boomers as they grow up: the real story that occured quietly and behind the scenes and not in the flashier stories on the 1990's.
   However, those who are allergic to discussions of religion will probably hate it, as will those who hate Peggy Noonan for her political history.



3. I love Peggy Noonan but this was not her best book. It has wonderful scenes, fantastic chapters and is so good in places and then she seems to get lost and goes on and on with fairly boring stuff. I can only assume that it was unedited. Also, she tends to play the wide eyed innocent too much. This woman worked in the White House and lives in NYC-- you can't survive in either place and still be a babe in the woods. The scene where she goes to Jack Kemp's party and behaves like a yokel was pure smaltz and sacarhine. It was laid on too thick--like a pool of jello and I didn't believe it. What I Saw at the Revolution was a much better book and it's one I go back to again and again. I'm chalking this one up to the fact that every writer has a bad literary day sooner or later.



4. It takes a while to adapt to Noonan's "New Yorkish, post-modern, stream-of-consciousness" style, but once you adjust it's fun. The whole book isn't that way, just large sections. Evidently that is the style designed to capture people brought up with short attention spans. If you expect a former presidential speech writer to have a gift of eloquence, you're not disappointed in Peggy Noonan. Her observations cause you to say "yeah, that's right" as she points out things you hadn't really considered.

   Noonan has lived the examined life, but in writing of one of her former employers (Ronald Reagan) she observed that the unexamined life actually IS worth living, contrary to the ancient philosopher's assertion. In this book, Noonan asks herself, as her readers peer into her private thoughts: "What do I want my life to mean? What do I want the obit to say, what do I want for the lead?"

   A similar observation is found in her comparision between individual giftings. On a social acquaintance she writes, "He thinks intelligence is a virtue when of course, it's not, virtue is a virtue, intelligence is a gift."

   She reminds us of the reality that Christianity is really for rebels. When society accepts it and tries to package it; it loses it's authenticity. Christians historically have been falsely accused, murdered, gone underground, and regardless of what pagans do to destory their faith, it grows stronger all the time. So she's not overly concerned that the social structure doesn't accept it. She says it helps it maintain its authenticity. After all Jesus Himself predict should treatment for His followers.

   You'll like this book if you're interested in both personal reflection and glimpses of cultural change. She combines macro and micro analyses in a colorful flow. Like a world class communicator should, she keeps the audience engaged




5. In her characteristically insightful and observant style, Noonan--a former Reagan speech writer and Catholic convert--surveys the social, cultural, political, and spiritual essence of the 1990's.
   
   She captures, explains, and critiques that tumultuous decade in a way no one else can. Noonan is one of my personal heroes and this title, more than any other, captures the wisdom that makes her so inspiring. The writing is a little uneven from one chapter to the next, but somehow it all works. If you're a fan of her columns, you will absolutely enjoy this.
   
   Recommended.

No comments about Colin Powell: It Can Be Done (High Five Reading).

No comments about Living Biographies of Great Painters: Library Edition.

No comments about An Evening with Blowers.

No comments about The Last Lion: Alone Part 3 of 3.

3 comments about Blessings in Disguise (Penguin Audiobooks).

1. BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE stands out in my reading as one of the most enjoyable autobiographies I've ever encountered. Unlike so many actors, Alec Guinness is a truly modest man, and his wry humor and ability to laugh at himself are extraordinarily refreshing. Guinness is worth reading even if you've never seen one of his movies or plays or television appearances. It is a damn shame that this fine book is apparently out of print.



2. Sir Alec writes beautifully and simply about the his life through the lives that affected him. Funny, honest, and thought provoking. He's not at all the stereotypical stuffy Englishman, but a regular person with a huge amount of talent and alot of great stories to tell. This book should be back in print!



3. As a fan of Alec Guinness, it gave me additional insight to this great actor's life. It made me want to learn more and more about him, read books on him and see his movies again A great actor.

4 comments about Slide Rule.

1. This book is a great read. It's Nevil Shute's non-fictional account of his years as an airplane designer prior to becoming a full time author. Over a third of the book relates his experiences as a junior engineer on the R.100 zeppelin construction project. Led by Barnes Wallis, the R.100 was built as a commercial project, simultaneously with the infamous government-designed R.101 which crashed with much loss of life on it's maiden voyage. This disaster put paid to the R.100 as well as it was never flown again.

   After that, he helped found the Airspeed airplane company. His tales of keeping the start-up afloat are reminiscent of many of the dot-coms during recent years.

   Shute writes very smoothly, and the book has the feel of a long conversation. If there's a flaw, it's that he doesn't talk much about the other people he met. It would be nice, for example, to see a few sentences on Barnes Wallis, designer of the R.100, the Lancaster bomber, and the dam busting bombs used in WW2.

   That said, there's plenty to read here and this is one of those books you can't put down once you start.




2. Nevil Shute's autobiography is an extraordinary work, and captures the flavor and pace of early aeronautical development, as well as the challenges of trying to gain support for the burgeoning aircraft industry in the early 1920's-late 1930's. As well, it captures the dualism of the industry: the rivalry between proponents of large airships and proponents of airplanes for the future of air transportation. It is best remembered for its frank and merciless critique of the R-100 and R-101 airship programs, and the differences between the "capitalist" R-100 (which worked) and the "socialist" R-101 (which crashed disastrously, killing almost all on board). Shute writes with authority as an insider, and with the grace that characterizes his novels. In addition to this work, I would recommend that readers also read J. P. Morpurgo's biography of Barnes Wallis (entitled simply BARNES WALLIS). Shute worked for Wallis on the R-100, and Morpurgo's book offers its own very useful insights into the great British airship rivalry. As well, readers of this work should read Shute's posthumous novel STEPHEN MORRIS which is itself a surprisingly good work (it was his first attempt at a novel), and which carries on many of the themes he explores in his autobiography SLIDE RULE. In sum, SLIDE RULE belongs on the shelf of anyone interested in the history of flight, and, particularly, anyone involved in the design and development of aircraft for commercial or military purposes. An excellent read!!!



3. This is a fascinating autobiography of the early life of one of Britain's premier aeronautical engineers (and adventure novelists!). Nevil Norway was closely involved in pioneering work in the airship industry (a fascinating technological dead-end) and writes with verve and authority on his experiences of starting his own airplane works (no threat to Boeing!).

   However, the story ends with his resignantion from Airspeed (his company) as the clouds of World War 2 are gathering. Shute Norway's later life seems to have been equally adventurous and I would dearly loved to have been able to read of his wartime experiences and his solo flight to Australia in the late 1940's.

   Nevertheless, this is a well written and smooth reading work which is as well crafted and entertaining as any of his novels.




4. Before he became a world famous novelist, Nevil Shute Norway started an aircraft company and built it up to over 1,000 staff. This was a company started in 1932 - the Great Depression.
   
   How he did that and the types of issues he faced are fascinating. His thoughts on why he choose possibly inflated figures for some of his company's assets and risked going to jail as a way to obtain financing and prevent the lay off of 500 people during the depression are very memorable.
   
   A great read.