| Username |
Post |
| NK |
Posted
on 16-Nov-01 01:11 PM
I have been hearing about this book "The Correction." I have heard it is a modernist saga of a dysfunctional family. Has anyone read it yet? Any good book any of you have been reading lately?
|
| Biswo |
Posted
on 16-Nov-01 03:13 PM
Dear NK,
This book is probably the most talked about book this year. And is tipped to be
top candidate for most of the literary awards. The writer, Jonathan Franzen, is
kind of a crazy guy. He was once invited to Oprah's book club, but apparently
badmouthed about Oprah, and the invitation was cancelled.
I haven't read the book , but read a lot of reviews of the book. Try to read the
book. One thing: The writer says he doesn't watch TV (so didn't know much
about Oprah's Show)
|
| NK |
Posted
on 16-Nov-01 04:01 PM
It seems he and I are on the same page. I hardly watch TV. Not that it is something to be proud of of be ashamed of. I also have problem with herd like mentality. If Oprah says read this book, then everybody flocks to the book store. it is giving too much power to one person, a corporate logo at that. Way to Go Johny boy! Now I have to read that and copy for my next upcoming novel!
|
| joie de vivre |
Posted
on 16-Nov-01 04:16 PM
I've heard much about this book. Also heard that Jonathan Franzen's regretting shooting his mouth off - he must be picturing all those royalties being flushed down the loo. Regardless, a great read from what I hear - only problem is (as my colleague put it) "it's going to be an all nighter once you start it".
|
| Biswo |
Posted
on 16-Nov-01 04:35 PM
Dear NK:
You have a great sense of humour !
Waiting for that plagiarized portion of your novel!
|
| _BP |
Posted
on 17-Nov-01 01:13 AM
Bill O'Reilly's book "The No Spin Zone" is one I really like. The guy is a great debater. I have changed my stance on the death penalty because of him. I don't always agree with him, but when I do, I feel like he is the best ally you can have. He is also a TV personality (Cable FoxNews), and has a daily hour-long show. You will love him or hate him, but you will remember him.
|
| _BP |
Posted
on 17-Nov-01 01:19 AM
Speaking of FoxNews, did you guys know that one of the late night anchors is a Nepali lady, Kiran Chetry? I think one of her parents is Nepali. Regardless, she is impressive.
|
| Biswo |
Posted
on 17-Nov-01 01:06 PM
BPji:
Bill O'Reilly. Jesus Christ, he is a real mad dog.
I have watched some of his interviews. This guy has some problem. He a few
days ago said, life is cheap in third world (not equal to US life).
Yes, sometimes he is fun to watch. But he is extreme right. These days, he
seems to be dead against George Clooney.And his fusillades against Clooney are
fun to watch, honestly.But changing mind just because of Bill O'Reilly's program is
not something I will ever do, esp before hearing antidotes from some leftists. At
least , I will read 'The nation' as a minimum antidote.
|
| _BP |
Posted
on 17-Nov-01 02:52 PM
He does have very extreme views, but I do like his style or arguing. He takes no prisoners. But the death penalty issue was really interesting. He basically says that he is against it, which will make you wonder why he is soft on this issue. But his point is that it is an easy way out. He believes in punishing capital crimes with life-long labor and repentance. I like that idea.
|
| _BP |
Posted
on 17-Nov-01 04:05 PM
Actually Biswoji, come to think of it, I think I do like watching him because I am quite right of center myself. Maybe it is a reflection of my conservative upbringing. I guess I can qualify myself as a republican. I am however pro-choice. Anti-abortionism is a great idea in an ideal world, but it doesn't really work in the real world...sort of like communism I suppose. But by the way, have you seen Kiran Chetry?
|
| Biswo |
Posted
on 17-Nov-01 04:33 PM
Oh, I don't like these political rights. They are crazy. Now , they talk of national ID,
and this O'Reilly says he is in favor of that. Another thing I don't like is they speak
exactly same thing as our rightists say. I remember one of right wing MP in our
Rashtirya Shava once said, people need to be ready to sacrifice their civil right for
safety. (in reference to Maoists). Excuse me, dudes, who are we supposed to
believe then? Secret military courts, and the government? People like Girija and
Paras? And same thing here in US. They want to abolish some civil right esp for
immigrants. The thing about possible secret court, and deportation without
right of appeal to supreme court is appaling. I hate these right wing politicians and
their mouthpieces.
Kiran Chhetry, I haven't seen yet. I tried hard though;-). I watch TV mainly in
my dinner time, may be that is the reason I never saw her.
|
| _BP |
Posted
on 17-Nov-01 04:41 PM
The question of giving up civil rights for safety is always a tricky one. Obviously it is a good idea in the face of grave danger. It is sort of like the concept of "Big Brother." Generally my belief is if you don't have anything to hide, why worry? And the US is so liberal in its core, I really don't think civil rights will be endangered gravely. But for God's sake, something has to be done about Airport security. It has reached the point where if people don't pay special attention to me because I look Middle-Eastern, I frankly worry. I fear for my own life you know! Heck, I am going to be on this damn plane. Search everybody!
BTW, Kiran Chetry is on late night --> midnight Fox News updates (top and bottom of the hour). She looks very smart.
|
| Biswo |
Posted
on 17-Nov-01 04:53 PM
BPji:
It is not Americans or American public that are dangerous , or not compassionate.
I spent my times in the most "redneck of the redneck" areas, and even there
people were very very compassionate, very nice to foreigners like us, and were
totally harmless.[I mean in person to person relation]
But believe the government on secret trial? Excuse me, US government officers
have routinely concealed facts. I was reading a report in The Nation about a new
appointee of Bush to UN, (John Negroponte) this dude always lied to senate
hearing commission about the state of Hondurus.They lied about Iran contra
scandle, they also first lied about Watergate things.So, American public has reason
not to believe everything their government says. And has reason not to give up
their civil right in these moments when they need it most. And ditto to Nepali. It is
the war time when we need more clear civil right.
Your concern about security is valid. But to check your luggage doesn't need
to violate or suppress human right and civil liberty. It never make any sense ,esp
when these right wing people talk about such things. And irony, the republicans
are the one who doesn't want to federalize the airport security. To me, it seems
so inconsistent.
|
| _BP |
Posted
on 17-Nov-01 05:00 PM
One thing that is certain is that the US government is very selfish. But it is an elected government, and their selfishness obviously always benefits Americans. If you are an American, you can rest assured that your government is doing what is good for you. It may not be ethical, it may not be humane, but by and large the US government is trying to protects its interests, which is our economy (our meaning if we are Americans), and obviously we will benefit in the end, because these politicians will do anything to stay in power. The danger of questioning everything is that sometimes a country can be too democratic and nothing gets done. This is my opinion.
|
| nemesis |
Posted
on 17-Nov-01 09:08 PM
> I have heard it is a modernist saga of a dysfunctional family
NK, don't need that. Just go home over Thanksgiving. Saves you the read. Are you also in need of lecture of the NYC telephone book? We need the help. U no, the hooker....
|
