The Bomb in the Basement : How Israel Went Nuclear and What That Means for the World by Michael Karpin
Quick take: Very well researched and through account of the whole story behind Israel’s nuclear ambitions. Written by a veteran Israeli journalist, relying on primary sources and testimonies. it is a great historical accounting.
The Amazon reviews are also helpful in describing/reviewing the book.
I’m finding it difficult to find a review of the Da Vinci Code on it’s merits as a film, rather than one which decides to focus on all the controversy surrounding the film.
When I reda the book (about 2 ears ago), I was skeptical/confused about a lot of the sthings people are now complaining about. In all, I just saw the book as a work of fiction. Nothing more, nothing less. I enjoyed reading the book (though I really should re-read it).
So I’m curious to hear about the film itself. I’ve heard that it’s long (2.5h) but does the plot hold up? Is there the same excitement and sense of mystery in the film that there was in the book? Does it hold your attention?
I’ve not seen very many reviews which touch on these kinds of topics–but I’m anxious to hear what people thought of the film itself.
Just got back from a screening of Code Name Bayonet at the JCC here in Manhattan (hence my lack of posting this evening)
It’s a docuumentary on the events that followed the 1972 Munich massacre, with on site footage and interview with parties involved.
I highly recomment the film–which seems very similar to the book “Striking Back”
Just finished reading: Into the Red Zone by Steven Vincent (the book’s blog is here)
A great read to say the least. Vincent tells (told?) his story of first hand experiences from his trips in and around Iraq as a freelance journalist. As an individual who seems to be versed in Arab culture and society. He approaches the subject of life in Iraq with an understanding of some of the dynamics of Arab society–but through his experiences his knowledge grows and he imparts more and more of it to the reader.
Vincent’s book also discusses the pros and cons of Iraqi society at time. The mistaken expectations of both the Administration and the Iraqi people and the difference in societal norms between cultures that indicates the challenges that we faced and continue to face.
A very good read in my opinion
New James Bond movie: fewer gadgets, more grit
There is no "Q," no "Moneypenny" and only "a little bit of gadgetry,"How the hell can this be a Bond movie then?
New James Bond movie: fewer gadgets, more grit
There is no "Q," no "Moneypenny" and only "a little bit of gadgetry,"How the hell can this be a Bond movie then?
New James Bond movie: fewer gadgets, more grit
There is no "Q," no "Moneypenny" and only "a little bit of gadgetry,"How the hell can this be a Bond movie then?
New James Bond movie: fewer gadgets, more grit
There is no "Q," no "Moneypenny" and only "a little bit of gadgetry,"How the hell can this be a Bond movie then?
New James Bond movie: fewer gadgets, more grit
There is no "Q," no "Moneypenny" and only "a little bit of gadgetry,"How the hell can this be a Bond movie then?
New James Bond movie: fewer gadgets, more grit
There is no "Q," no "Moneypenny" and only "a little bit of gadgetry,"How the hell can this be a Bond movie then?
New James Bond movie: fewer gadgets, more grit
There is no "Q," no "Moneypenny" and only "a little bit of gadgetry,"How the hell can this be a Bond movie then?
I’m currently reading “FDR’s Folly How Roosevelt and His New Deal Prolonged the Great Depression” by Jim Powell.
I’m about half-way through the book, and it seems like a rather damning accusation against FDR’s New Deal policies. However, there is the caveat that only one side of the argument is really being presented.
Back in high school, in AP US History class (in retrospect one of the best classes I ever had) I remember learning that it wasn’t as much the New Deal as it was WWII that brought the US out of the Depression. So I’ve had that in mind as I read the book.
Speaking as someone who isn’t well versed in economics (areas such as inflation/deflation, currency valiues), I often have to take the author’s word for things in terms of arguments, which in my eyes somewhat weakens them.
Another thing I’m waiting for (and perhaps it comes later in the book) are the authors suggestions of what he would have done were he in charge to pull the nation’s economy out of the depression. Simply saying that he’d do the opposite of FDR’s policies isn’t going to satisfy me. I’m looking for something a bit more substantial.
Just finished “Nothing’s Sacred” by Lewis Black
It was a very, very funny read, which I enjoyed throughly.
The only improvement I could think of on the book may be to hear Black deliver the dext himself–either as an audio book or as a collection of standup routines. As I read the short little “chapters” I tried to imagine Black’s voice delivering the text–which made it all the funnier.
Just finished “Nothing’s Sacred” by Lewis Black
It was a very, very funny read, which I enjoyed throughly.
The only improvement I could think of on the book may be to hear Black deliver the dext himself–either as an audio book or as a collection of standup routines. As I read the short little “chapters” I tried to imagine Black’s voice delivering the text–which made it all the funnier.
The current book in progress: FDR’s Folly and QuickBooks 2004 for Dummies (work related reading)
Jay has a post up about how he’s starting to become a minor oenophile
In a similar vein, I’ve become a coffee taster, after having so many different brews from around the city. (I’m proud to say however, that I’ve yet to patronize the $tarbuck$ across the street from my building.)
None the less, here’s something I’ve wondered about. What’s the term for a coffee afficionado?
An analogy:
Wine: Oenophile as Coffee: ?
The other ‘Munich’: Israeli spies tell their side
Related: This Dry Bones comic
Now if someone would tell the real story, I’d really go see that movie–multiple times!
With all the buzz surrounding the film, I’m really curious to see what exactly Spielberg’s latest work is all about.
I’m going into it with low expectations on the underlying politics of it, but I’m curious to see how the rest of the film is.
For more on Munich see the multitude of posts on the history of the ’72 attacks at Kesher Talk
I saw Munich last night at a local theater amid an interesting crowd–one with many Israelis in it too
(I could tell by the number of Hebrew speakers I heard).
My opinion of the film basically mirrors those of Captain Ed and Steve Silver
The film itself is very well made, and is worthy of praise. However, it is Spielberg’s attempts at moral relativism and his quest to solve the problems in the Middle East which really bring this film down.
As someone well versed in Israeli History, I also didn’t like how Speilberg played fast and loose with what really happened in the aftermath of Munich IT’s important to remember that the film was only inspired by the events, not a full retelling of the events.
In all, there were snickers from the audience at different points in the film. A lot of laughter at some of the humorous lines, especially about the recipts.
In all–is it worth seeing in the theaters–I”m not really sure
With all the buzz surrounding the film, I’m really curious to see what exactly Spielberg’s latest work is all about.
I’m going into it with low expectations on the underlying politics of it, but I’m curious to see how the rest of the film is.
For more on Munich see the multitude of posts on the history of the ’72 attacks at Kesher Talk
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