Year: 2009

What’s on the Bookshelf? Vol. 6

What's On the Bookshelf?

Proust was a Neuroscientist by Jonah Lehrer

CC/sea turtle

CC/sea turtle

I like reading science books on occasion. Not text books, but books on a subject, like Dava Sobel’s Longitude.

Proust… wasn’t of my chosing–it was assigned reading. But I’m glad that it was.

Lehrer examines eight different artists from turn of the century Paris and how their works preexamined (not the right word) ideas that neuroscientists are working on, such as how we taste (Escoffier), and how we process grammar (Gertrude Stein).

My favorite chapter was the one on Escoffier, the creator of the cookbook and (for all intents and purposes) what we think of as French cooking. Of course, I was also watching a Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations marathon before and after finishing this section!

If you want a good, entertaining and educating read, this is the book for you.

And so I’m back (from outer space)

General Geekiness
CC Syd Daoust

CC Syd Daoust

My exams are done. I’m back and should have slightly more time for blogging.

As of late, I’ve been steadily working on my novel, now tentatively titled Summertime Blues but that will probably change. Proofreading is draining, especially since I’ve realized the novel needs far more help than previously expected. I’ve determined that this draft is repetitive and boring, and that Will annoys the crap out of me with his emo-lite whining. Primarily first person POV is not conducive to this story.

At least as the writer I realize that it is by no means a masterpiece. Better that I recognize its faults than praise its few (if any) virtues.

On horror and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

The Twirl and Swirl of Letters

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest has been poking at my mind since I watched it a week ago. As much as I try to distance myself from it, that movie keeps on returning.
I’ve been thinking about what makes a horrific villain.
Nurse Ratched is one of the top.
Her quiet nature is disquieting, especially the way that she has all of the characters enthralled. They’re so afraid of her and what she will do to them. She drives one character to suicide, makes everyone miserable…such a good villain.
I’ll need to watch this one again.

Will I ever learn?

General Geekiness

Two weeks ago, I entered a scavenger hunt race around Boston.

Today I entered another. I’m in pain. Will I ever learn? At least this time I didn’t run for my life.

 

My trekking brought me to places I never thought I’d go–including the Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. Not to sound gothy, but this has to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. The day was overcast and gloomy; therefore perfect for walking around tombstones.

Cemeteries are so calming. This one was filled with willows, ancient headstones and interesting monuments, including a Tower dedicated to Washington (you can climb it–and as someone petrified by heights, I did so reluctantly). Another is a Sphinx.

I, like Hawthorne, find cemeteries inspiring. There’s both a sense of mortality and immortality about them. You’re reminded of the past, but at the same time, the possibilities are endless.

The wheels in my head are turning, and I can’t wait to turn this experience into a story.

On character development (part VI)

The Twirl and Swirl of Letters

The Character’s Wealth, Power, and Influence.
1. Does this person have much money? Does it provide position or respect from others for him

He’s 19. He only has what he’s earned, and doesn’t get any respect for it.
2. Is your character generous or selfish with their money and possessions?

He’s generous with food, but is a bit of a miser.
3. Is the character socially prominent? Are they prominent from wealth, position, office, family history, ability or accomplishment?

No. He hasn’t done much.
4. Does the character rate high in the “pecking order” within their own household? Town? Area? Nation? World?

Nope. In his household, he ranks below his younger sister (or perceives it as such). In his town, he’s known as his parents’ son. Apart from that, no one has any idea who he is.
5. Does this person wield much clout? Over whom and by what means?

No.
6. Can they command others to do their bidding, by word or manipulation?

Only in his dreams.
7. How do they get their desires?

He goes after them himself, using his own money.
8. To whom are they subservient? Is this submission willing or unavoidable?

He’s subservient to his parents and bosses. It’s unavoidable.