What are you reading?

[Rule of Wrist]

Here's a good one for you brit, if you haven't already read it (an article, not a book...)http://techcentralstation.com/1051/techwrapper.jsp?PID=1051-250&CID=1051-060303A

[Sannop]

Good one Rule,

I am involved with a similar situation. The teachers union that I am forced to be apart of has been a horribly negative influence on the school system in which I work. They claim to be a mecca of liberalism. They claim that they are the core of democracy, and that in being so they protect freedom. But since I have challenged their professionalism and intentions, I have been blacklisted. Key members in this union have spoken of making a play to get me out of this school. They have acted as fascist in protecting their image of free voice. This article is so true.

Oh, I have been informed by the school board and the superiintendent that they apreciate my voice and to not lose any sleep. We have a new principal and we are going to change this school around. The teachers that made their play will lose face and the union will be forced to distance itself from them.

[Sannop]

Originally posted by -=LOW=-Random
1. Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones, Clash of Kings, Storm of Swords)

3. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay (any book by this man is worth the read, he rocks and I have read them all)

#1 is the most underrated series that I can think of. What a great world.

#3. what was his other series that was great? I would like to read them again. Hint: the people from our times go into the past... etc etc

Also,
If you like Historical Fiction Read Parke Godwins "Sherwood" what an amazing vision of a real world Robin Hood. She sets him back in 1066 after the battle of hastings, makes much more sense than during Richard (as usually done). She also has one on Arthur called Fire King (I think).

[Rule of Wrist]

Don't get me started on unions. They were a good idea 100 years ago when people were truly oppressed by their work. But their usefulness passed some time ago, and now they are only a leech on society. Now they exist to make sure that that longshoreman isn't being "oppressed" by his $40/hr wage (he would be since he really gets $50/hr...)

And public employee unions should be crimanalized! Think about it... the people who make and enforce the rules who basically WORK FOR THEMSELVES (since this is government by the people...) unionize to protect themselves from... THEMSELVES!

Does anyone honestly think that these unions do not corrupt the rules over time to benefit only the union's members (often to the detriment of everyone else)?

[-=LOW=-Random]

Originally posted by Sannop
#3. what was his other series that was great? I would like to read them again. Hint: the people from our times go into the past... etc etc

I believe you are talking about The Fionavar Tapestry. It's a trilogy comprising of:
1. The Summer Tree
2. The Wandering Fire
3. The Darkest Road

These books are the only "pure" fantasy he has written with magic, dwarves, a dark lord and King Aurthur. The characters don't go into the past but another world. Excellent fantasy fare. One of the best death scenes of a character around... "For the honor of the Black Boar!!!"

[Sannop]

Thanks Random......

I read them years ago... I just remember them as a great story.

[wotan]

I'm currently reading through the Nort&South series by John Jakes (to brush up my English)

German book I read is 'Silentium' by Wolf Haas an Austrian author - Very recommended (if you want to brush up your Austrian German!)

recently I read Stupid White Men - very funny (and a little bit scary, too)

[Homestar_Runner]

Back of the Pop-Tarts box (unfrosted strawberry)

[SHWoff Profile Website]

Originally posted by Homestar_Runner
Back of the Pop-Tarts box (unfrosted strawberry)

Unfrosted?! Why the heck would you get unfrosted?!

[angrybrit]

Thanks for the link Rule.

Yes I do think think some unions do corrupt the rules over time to benefit only the union's members. But I have seen unions where no one cares anymore. Assemblies where only a few show up! lol

Keep fragging dude!

[{CN}Doomfarer]

Books books books nudie mag.... mmmm, yeah and books.

#1 by an EASY mile or so is George R.R. Martin Song of Fire and Ice Series. REALLY Looking forward to book four this summer. The guy is straight up the BEST Adult Fantasy author out there (No Harry not sex fantasy).

#2 Damned near anything by Tad Williams. I have read Both his fantasy and sci-fi works and liked both immensely... Was a bit disapointed in a few aspects, but he still miles better than the bulk of todays "master authors". Just picked up his newest book "The War of the Flowers", will probably start on that once I finish my current read.

#3 Robin Hobb's - The Royal Assassin Trilogy. Talk about putting a guy through the wringer... I thought this series was miles better than the Liveship Traders. I have enjoyed the return to the Fitz character with her newest series.

#4 The series that I hate myself for still reading... The Wheel of Time... Had so much promise before it got so... full of meaningless BULLSHIT!!!

#5 Currently reading Melanie Rawn's second trilogy The Star Scrolls. Liked the first trilogy immensely. Currently still on book one, but will have that finished off soon enough. Will start book two when I RE-purchase it (long story).


I haven't read anything beyond the Fionavar Tapestry by GGK. Will mention that there IS some alternate time line traveling going in that series BTW... One of the guys gets a peek at some seriously forbidden fruit if my memory serves me well... Did like what Iread, just never thought to follow up on the author afterwards.

Looking at my list you would think I am fantasy nut... I am, but I also read outside of the genre... Primarily Bestsellers though... Clancy (of course), Stephen Coonts (Flight of the Intruder AKA Grafton Novels), a few others that slip my mind right now...

[Sannop]

Originally posted by {CN}Doomfarer
Books books books nudie mag.... mmmm, yeah and books.

#1 by an EASY mile or so is George R.R. Martin Song of Fire and Ice Series. REALLY Looking forward to book four this summer. The guy is straight up the BEST Adult Fantasy author out there (No Harry not sex fantasy).

I agree Doom. I was amazed at the first one, but after the bullshit that Robert Jordan has pulled (for me the series was over after the 2nd book) I said that I will never read a series until it is finished. So I will reread the first and finish the series when he does.

Hey, no one has mentioned Eddings... come on Sparhawk is my favorite fictional character of all time. Got to love it when a church knight garottes a man in the first few pages.

[{CN}Doomfarer]

I grew up enjoying Eddings, Terry Brooks, Piers Anthony, and few others. But these days I feel that most of what those three specifically and a few others write these days comes under the heading of Fantasy "lite". Alot of it feels like it's cookie cutter writing or just too happy, little in the way of suspense... I haven't felt compelled to burn through any of their books in at least 6-8 years. I mean I will still read their stuff, but it's like sitting down to watch TV and only finding reruns of sitcoms you have seen a few times. It passes the time but doesn't keep you engrossed for very long if at all...

[Sannop]

Originally posted by {CN}Doomfarer
I grew up enjoying Eddings, Terry Brooks, Piers Anthony, and few others. But these days I feel that most of what those three specifically and a few others write these days comes under the heading of Fantasy "lite".

Very true. I read Eddings during nuclear power school. I had enough "hard" reading I wantd something "lite". They work great for those lite times... i.e. during trips (plane flights to japan can be very long) etc..

Oh.. my favorite book is Clavell's Shogun. I might try GaiJin this summer.

Another favorite... give it up for Dumas and The Three Muskateers, what hilarious style, he was well before his time.

[Cpl. Bingham]

For myself, I only ever read fantasy or sci-fi lite. Life's too serious as it is, so when I sit down to read a book, I want it to make me laugh while taking me away from the natural world.

That's pretty much why I exclusively read Discworld novels, with the occasional other author's works if I hear good things. Same when I was a kid, i grew up reading Piers Anthony's Xanth series(much to the chagrin of my english teacher in grade 9).