I'll write a full review of Let Every Breath by Vladimir Vasiliev a little bit later. I just wanted to be sure to get it entered here. I've already read the book twice in the last ten days, and I have read some parts of the book at least five or six times.
Systema is very appealing, and Vasiliev and Meredith (Scott Meredith is credited as co-author) make quite an effective presentation with the text. As I understand it, Meredith composed the text, but the concepts and ideas are those of Vasiliev and Ryabko (founder of modern Systema--at least as tought by Vasilieve & Ryabko). Anyhow, it is not very often that you see authors opting to take less credit for the material they are presenting.
Check out Systema. They have plenty of videos at the site and there are some at youtube as well. You can order a copy of Let Every Breath at the site. Anywhere else, it is more expensive.
Now I just want to get a copy, and I want to get it autographed.
Friday, June 29, 2007
More Reading: Goulart & Hinton
Started and finished S. E. Hinton's Rumble Fish. It was a fast and good read. I definitely get the appeal of that book. So far, tough thugs, playing pool, juvenile drinking, and smoking cigs all are repeated themes. Fights are too. I'm looking forward to reading more of the stuff. Somehow, this genre is working for me at the moment.
I picked up Ron Goulart's The Tin Angel because I recognized his name; he had at least one book published by Pulphouse in the 1990s. The book was thin, so I picked it up--a quick read I thought. It was quick; it was fun; it was enjoyable. Not exactly spectacle or universe-stunning text, but it was a solid read. It did exactly what I wanted it to do: entertain me with some new perspectives and ideas. When you have a talking android dog engaged in conspiracy between getting sauced and offering up tasteless jokes, you know there is a good blend going on.
Good read. I'm happy.
I picked up Ron Goulart's The Tin Angel because I recognized his name; he had at least one book published by Pulphouse in the 1990s. The book was thin, so I picked it up--a quick read I thought. It was quick; it was fun; it was enjoyable. Not exactly spectacle or universe-stunning text, but it was a solid read. It did exactly what I wanted it to do: entertain me with some new perspectives and ideas. When you have a talking android dog engaged in conspiracy between getting sauced and offering up tasteless jokes, you know there is a good blend going on.
Good read. I'm happy.
That Was Then
I just read That Was Then, This Is Now by S. E. Hinton--she wrote The Outsiders. It was a quick, fun, and easy read. I read another book of hers, but I'm not sure. It was refreshing to read juvenile literature--pretty much straight forward storytelling. A few parts did annoy me--like the uber-paranoid discourse on LSD--but that was part and parcel of the era, I think. The book was published the same year I was born, 1971, so it is hard to know.
I did score a number of paperbacks yesterday to trade at PaperbackSwap.com. Most of them were 25 of fifty cents. That was cool. On top of that, I found three books I listed at half.com for just over $35. So, if one sells, then it will pay for all the books I bought. Very cool.
Must get away from the 'puter.
Must go read.
I did score a number of paperbacks yesterday to trade at PaperbackSwap.com. Most of them were 25 of fifty cents. That was cool. On top of that, I found three books I listed at half.com for just over $35. So, if one sells, then it will pay for all the books I bought. Very cool.
Must get away from the 'puter.
Must go read.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
When I'm Avoiding Work
Two books I'm scanning and reading for pleasure and escape are:
Combatting Cult Mind Control by Steven Hassan and the Guidebook for Marines.
Hassan's book is interesting for several reasons. First, I find the rhetoric and discussion about what and who exactly are a "cult" to be fascinating. Second, I like to learn how people manipulate one another--especially if it is an orchestrated and specific fashion. The more you are aware how people can work you, the less likely you are to get worked. At least that is how I think about it. The book also provides some great clues about what to spot for troublesome groups. For example, not letting people get up and go to the bathroom during two, three, or four hour seminars is a classic control tool. The group literally controls your body and bodily functions. If that is not problematic, then I don't know what is. First the body, then the mind.
I'm not paranoid. A good defense is a solid, knowledgeable defense.
The Guidebook for Marines, 16th Revised Edition from July 1990, which I own is seriously water damaged. Perhaps that is why I got it for 23 cents?
Just today, on page 1, I found the following passage
You read right, "militay" is misspelled. "Seabased" should have a dash in it as well. Maybe I'm just being nitpicky?
The Guidebook does have a great selection of exercises and workout regimes in it. They start on page 177.
Under "Principles of Leadership," there is an interesting section at the end.
(The bold is in the book; it is not mine.) If this statement is accurate for many Marines, then they surely have a good thing going. Honestly, I can think of few areas in my life and experience--outside of family and clan--where there is this level of trust, loyalty, reliance, and confidence. I can see why, in many ways, people would want to be a part of the culture where this is the optimal, this is what is targeted, and this is what is often achieved.
Unfortunately, it comes packaged with the military. Duh, right? I wonder whether this kind of bonding is, of necessity, the result of military training--or is it born of stress, discipline, and achievement? Also, I wonder why we, as a culture, do not demand "trust, loyalty, reliance, and confidence" to be aspects in everyone's character?
Hmmm. Time to think.
Combatting Cult Mind Control by Steven Hassan and the Guidebook for Marines.
Hassan's book is interesting for several reasons. First, I find the rhetoric and discussion about what and who exactly are a "cult" to be fascinating. Second, I like to learn how people manipulate one another--especially if it is an orchestrated and specific fashion. The more you are aware how people can work you, the less likely you are to get worked. At least that is how I think about it. The book also provides some great clues about what to spot for troublesome groups. For example, not letting people get up and go to the bathroom during two, three, or four hour seminars is a classic control tool. The group literally controls your body and bodily functions. If that is not problematic, then I don't know what is. First the body, then the mind.
I'm not paranoid. A good defense is a solid, knowledgeable defense.
The Guidebook for Marines, 16th Revised Edition from July 1990, which I own is seriously water damaged. Perhaps that is why I got it for 23 cents?
Just today, on page 1, I found the following passage
In the words of militay historian, B.H. Liddel Hart, "Amphibious flexibility is the greatest strategic asset that a seabased power possesses."
You read right, "militay" is misspelled. "Seabased" should have a dash in it as well. Maybe I'm just being nitpicky?
The Guidebook does have a great selection of exercises and workout regimes in it. They start on page 177.
Under "Principles of Leadership," there is an interesting section at the end.
When you, as a Marine NCO, have provided your unit with that type of leadership, then you already will have reaped the greatest return. By definition you'll (l) have accomplished your mission and (2) command the willing obedience, confidence, loyalty, and respect of the United States Marines under you. There is no more satisfactory reward, anywhere.
(The bold is in the book; it is not mine.) If this statement is accurate for many Marines, then they surely have a good thing going. Honestly, I can think of few areas in my life and experience--outside of family and clan--where there is this level of trust, loyalty, reliance, and confidence. I can see why, in many ways, people would want to be a part of the culture where this is the optimal, this is what is targeted, and this is what is often achieved.
Unfortunately, it comes packaged with the military. Duh, right? I wonder whether this kind of bonding is, of necessity, the result of military training--or is it born of stress, discipline, and achievement? Also, I wonder why we, as a culture, do not demand "trust, loyalty, reliance, and confidence" to be aspects in everyone's character?
Hmmm. Time to think.
Three Texts I've Meant to Mention
I read part of each of these texts about six weeks ago. I scratched some notes, which will appear later perhaps, but I wanted to track these.
Northrop Frye. The Well-Tempered Critic.
I liked the first parts of the book. Lots of quotables. Distinct tone--definitely sounds more erudite and natural at it than most modern intellectuals and writers. A good model.
Jessice Helfand. Screen: Essays on Graphic Design, New Media, and Visual Culture
Hit you over the head with the stupid stick on this one. Dense packed language. Some heavy theory. Great insights. Funny voice at times. Impressive use of language. Do not try to read while sleepy. Very engaging in multiple essays. If I had extra bucks for books, this would be one of them.
Anna Everett & John T. Caldwell, Editors. New Media: Theories and Practices of Digitextuality
Some really fascinating stuff in here, plus a couple schwaggy essays. Ugh. The best essay--by heads, shoulders, and combat boots floating above the next author's head--is Jeffrey Sconce's Tulip Theory. I laughed out loud while reading his essay on the bus. Multiple times. This man rocks, and I want to read more of his stuff. His work alone is worthy buying this book. There are at least four to five other great essays in here, but get this because you heard me giving props to Sconce.
Northrop Frye. The Well-Tempered Critic.
I liked the first parts of the book. Lots of quotables. Distinct tone--definitely sounds more erudite and natural at it than most modern intellectuals and writers. A good model.
Jessice Helfand. Screen: Essays on Graphic Design, New Media, and Visual Culture
Hit you over the head with the stupid stick on this one. Dense packed language. Some heavy theory. Great insights. Funny voice at times. Impressive use of language. Do not try to read while sleepy. Very engaging in multiple essays. If I had extra bucks for books, this would be one of them.
Anna Everett & John T. Caldwell, Editors. New Media: Theories and Practices of Digitextuality
Some really fascinating stuff in here, plus a couple schwaggy essays. Ugh. The best essay--by heads, shoulders, and combat boots floating above the next author's head--is Jeffrey Sconce's Tulip Theory. I laughed out loud while reading his essay on the bus. Multiple times. This man rocks, and I want to read more of his stuff. His work alone is worthy buying this book. There are at least four to five other great essays in here, but get this because you heard me giving props to Sconce.
Friday, June 15, 2007
KLF: Doctorin' the Tardis
I saw this video one time, and one time only, back in the early 1990s. That turned me on to the KLF. It was an obsession for years. Now, finally, I can see the video again.
I love finding stuff like this...
I love finding stuff like this...
"AcneCore" Video
I couldn't believe this when I saw the title, so I had to play the video. It's for real. This brings a new level, a new meaning to fetishes.
Seriously, my jaw was dropped--when I wasn't laughing.
Seriously, my jaw was dropped--when I wasn't laughing.
Monday, June 11, 2007
More Onkelz
I've been playing and listening to the other three Onkelz videos an awful lot lately; I need to listen to some new material.
Dunkler Ort
This video feels and looks more like classic Nordic metal--at least according to my extremely limited knowledge and exposure to it via Michael Moynihan's Lords of Chaos. And I read that over a decade ago. Anyhow, the lead singer of the Onkelz looks all Nordic Metal to me. The classy part of this video, however, is not the female skinhead-looking starlet--no, it is the setting. Yes! The setting! This looks like photos I've seen of H.R. Giger's bar which is in Switzerland, I believe.
Just check out those chairs around the table and tell me you would not like to relax there for a few moments.
Bomberpilot
I found it odd listening to a song about a bomber pilot in German while the media shows an American aircraft and pilot... Surreal, and a little odd for a German nationalist-styled band.
Wir ham noch nicht lang genug
Ihr haettet es wissen mussen + A.D.I.O.Z.
Kirche
Oh yes, one of the most rocking tracks.
Dunkler Ort
This video feels and looks more like classic Nordic metal--at least according to my extremely limited knowledge and exposure to it via Michael Moynihan's Lords of Chaos. And I read that over a decade ago. Anyhow, the lead singer of the Onkelz looks all Nordic Metal to me. The classy part of this video, however, is not the female skinhead-looking starlet--no, it is the setting. Yes! The setting! This looks like photos I've seen of H.R. Giger's bar which is in Switzerland, I believe.
Just check out those chairs around the table and tell me you would not like to relax there for a few moments.
Bomberpilot
I found it odd listening to a song about a bomber pilot in German while the media shows an American aircraft and pilot... Surreal, and a little odd for a German nationalist-styled band.
Wir ham noch nicht lang genug
Ihr haettet es wissen mussen + A.D.I.O.Z.
Kirche
Oh yes, one of the most rocking tracks.
More Philip Boa, but He's Live!
Love On Sale
All I Hate is You
And Then She Kissed Her
I have watched this video at least twenty or thirty times already. I absolutely love the live performance of this track--and I have never heard the recorded version of it. I can only hope to find it in the US...
Get Terminated
I Dedicate My Soul To You
The sound and visuals are spottier than I'd like for this track, but that may be a function of my system or download speed. Anyhow, this song is one of my favorite Boa tracks--that I know at least--and was why I came looking for him nearly twenty years after I first heard his works.
All I Hate is You
And Then She Kissed Her
I have watched this video at least twenty or thirty times already. I absolutely love the live performance of this track--and I have never heard the recorded version of it. I can only hope to find it in the US...
Get Terminated
I Dedicate My Soul To You
The sound and visuals are spottier than I'd like for this track, but that may be a function of my system or download speed. Anyhow, this song is one of my favorite Boa tracks--that I know at least--and was why I came looking for him nearly twenty years after I first heard his works.
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