Recent Reads

Tonight I read "The Good Life of Helen K. Nearing" by Margaret O. Killinger, 2007.

Helen and her husband Scott were pioneer back-to-the landers. I have read several of their books and also articles in "The Mother Earth News." I saw this headlined as a new book at the local library and snatched it up as something that might be interesting.

And it was. This is a biography of Helen Nearing, from her teen years until her death in 1995. Throughout the book I found ringing similarities between myself and Helen; and also my friend K and "Boss" from the farm. Perhaps Boss is most like Helen with her Northern European background and stronger work ethic. K and I are more like the lost hippies that Helen scorned as visitors.

However, a closer look shows that Helen shared a lot of those traits in her own youth. It was only when Scott came into her life that she developed strong political opinions and a good work ethic. Scott was also strongly influenced by Helen, which he is quoted as saying in his last years. It is clear that together they literally moved mountains.

I found it enriching and encouraging to find that what I deem to be my more eccentric tendencies were echoed in such an esteemed woman, and a relief that a woman could possibly be even more eccentric than myself.

Yesterday I read "The Time Machine" by HG Wells, 1895 (my copy a 1964 reprint snagged for .25 at the library used book shelf)

I either read the book or watched the movie-possibly both, as a pre-teen, so my mind needed some refreshing. Actually, an episode of "Big Bang Theory" featured the time machine, and it was really funny as usual. So, when I saw the book I grabbed it. I wanted to find out more about the subterranean-dwelling flesh-eating Morelocks and etheral, gentle Eloi. I know I either read the book or saw the movie because I remember the last part of the book.

I won't tell anymore about it -you'll have to go read, or re-read it, for yourself. It's a quick read, and still good after 113 years.

The wind is wild today. I can hear the big gusts roaring down the road behind me, building in intensity, until with one great "Swoosh" the trees around the house bounce and bend and it is passed.

Good day to fly kites. :)

Driving wasn't too hazardous, but the parking lots in the capital were grit-born tornados. March winds blow!!!

Frontline is airing a two part special "Bush's war" beginning Monday at 9 EST. Sounds like it might be interesting.

I am glad it doesn't start at eight-my new favorite show has finally recovered from the writer's strike-at least last Monday was a new episode. "Big Bang Theory" http://www.cbs.com/primetime/big_bang_theory/

airs Monday night on CBS from 8-8:30. If you don't have a TV, and have a good computer connection, the above link also has past episodes-the miracles of modern techonolgy! (Commercials and all, I believe)

Every episode of this show has cracked me up. The re-runs were still funny the second time around.

The storyline is focused on two guy geeks(physicists) late twenty's early thirties, who share an apartment. Sheldon, played by Jim Parsons, tall skinny, and comically obsessive-compulsive; and Leonard, played by Johnny Galecki, short, dark- haired, glasses-wearing with a somewhat more rational view on life, although even more geeky than Sheldon if at all possible.

They have a couple of guy friends that visit, Raj, Rajeesh Koothraplai,played byKunal Nayyar, an Indian-accented guy that has difficulty talking to women, and Howard Wolowitz, played bySimon Helberg, , a greasy-haired mod who tries to drool geeky charm and brag of his sexual prowess (not).

Their neighbor is Penny, played by Kaley Cuoaco, a blond (supposed) Bimbo that managed to kick Sheldon's butt on a video game and comes off with great one liners to cover her scientific ignorance.

I was worried the writer's strike would slow down the momentum of the group, and I think it did a little bit, but the show was still pretty funny on Monday. I am hoping they keep building momentum, and hope these new faces have bright acting futures ahead of them!!!