Catfish Volumes 31-35

by Andrew Bushard

  #15 "Arabs and Islam", #18 "The Reformation", # 17 "The Renaissance", # 13 "The Roman World", #16 "The Middle Ages" by Alexander Damianakos, Ph.D., University Press and Sound, Inc, 1993.

 

  I believe these tapes are somewhere in between really dull history telling and wonderfully exciting history telling. Maybe somewhere in the middle. I have had both an excellent and a terrible history professor, thus I know what the two are like. Average history telling, thus sometimes it's a little dull and sometimes, it's interesting.

 

  Ironman, Chirs Crutcher, narrated by George Guidall and Johnny Heller, Recorded Books, Inc, 1995.

 

  I see on the cover that this book received "Association for Library Service to Children, American Library Association Notable" award. You better believe it deserves it! I have heard two audio cassettes by Chris Crutcher and I am really in sync with his writing. This book is proof that sometimes children books are more provocative and touching than many adult books. This book is proof that sometimes children books can be much more real than adult books. In fact, the book almost brought tears to my eyes, in parts. One of the greatest lines is when the main character said something to the effect of "I want to learn about what causes injustice." My passion was moved and I must exclaim loudly that this was a beautiful book.

 

  The Flunking of Joshua T. Bates, Susan Shreve, Recorded Books, 1998.

 

  Not as quite as deep as the other "youth" books I have reviewed here, because I don't sense that this could as easily appeal to us older people, but it could be quite valuable for younger people. It does has some good lessons too.

 

  Why People Believe Weird Ideas, Michael Shermer, Audio Renaissance, 1998.

 

  Typical "Skeptic" material. I don't like how "reason" is so absolutist with this skeptic people. I believe other factors should influence our decisions. At the start, I thought, the ground he was going to cover was pretty banal, but I was glad he covered Holocaust Revisionism. I also was glad at how long he discussed this matter. About Holocaust Revisionism, he was some wonderful perspectives and shared some fascinating outlooks. I oppose his view "if it's established, it's likely to be right". Christians have a valid point when they criticize the "faith" these skeptics have in the scientific method. As with many, there are limits to what he questions. For example, natural hygienists and other non mainstream medicine advocates would be likely to question his myopic allegiance to western medicine. I believe that western medicine is one of the least questioned ideas out there, and if he is such a great freethinker, he sure should be questioning that too. Thus natural hygienists are light years ahead of him on those grounds. I felt myself getting irked at points in this tape. He's a typical "freethinker" and I'm glad I'm not one. Often these "freethinkers" all think the same and all are carbon copies of each other. I'm glad I'm not in that rut. Although, I surely don't agree with everything on this, it sure was interesting.

 

  Poison Pen, authors/readers, Lysa Moskowitz -Mateau & David LaFontaine. Dave Audio, 1996.

 

  Pretty good.

 

  So, Peter Gabriel, Geffen, 1986.

 

  Back in my MTV watching days, I remember Peter Gabriel's song often being on the top of their "lists". At the time, Gabriel didn't really suit my fancy. But from listening to this, I gained a fondness of this music. After listening to this album, I realized that he deserved to be lauded by critics.

 

  The Great Gasby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, read by Christopeher Reeve, Durkin Hayes, 1992.

 

  I was waiting to hear this lovely sounding line which I first saw in the book "Soliah", but I unfortunately did not get to hear it, maybe it wasn't in this version or maybe I missed it.

 

  Iron John, Robert Bly, Random House, 1991.

 

  A bit out in left field filed to me. I don't think Bly's way is what's best.

 

  Madonna, Music, Warner Brothers, 2000.

 

  It's from Madonna, so it is of course, fantastic. What a beautiful amazing woman! She is wonderful and this cd is spectacular! I love the essence and the ways of Madonna!

 

  Sam Walton: Made in America: My Story, Sam Walton with John Huey, read by Kevin O'Morrison, Bantam Audio, 1992.

 

  I can just hear the progressives giving me a hard time for listening to this now. But I guess that’s why I'm no quintessential progressive. I kept thinking that although Walton may have run his business with integrity and principles (although the left will seriously argue against that), it seems like a waste, because his main purpose is earning more money instead of making the world a better place. I thought it was neat when he discussed how he was niggardly, especially in regards to his use of a not so hot automobile. MY friends were discussing how one of our anarchist friends drive a SUV, thus I can say that I know Anarchists and Leftists who have better cars than this very rich person! The tape was interesting to listen to, but I don't really admire as someone to emulate Sam Walton, except for his ability to do well. Perhaps, if Walmart was an organ for social justice first and foremost, its raison d'etre, then we could admire it as a model to emulate.

 

  Leading With the Heart, Coach K's Sucessful Strageties for Basketball, Business and Life, by Mike Krzyzewski with Donald T. Phillips, Recorded Books, 2001.

 

  Unfortunately, a lot of these inspirational tapes tend to be geared towards "business" which is why I imagine he stressed this part. Why not social activist groups? But of course, a person needs only be a critical thinker to carry his good advice to activist groups or social movements, which in a place or two, he does mention the universality of these ideas. I'm no big basketball fan, but I found this tape great. A person may think that a basketball coach would be very macho, but in fact, he seems to be the antithesis of macho in many ways. (he is quite sensitive and he often discusses himself experiencing tears) Although on some particulars such as his praise of the almost automatic benevolence of "tradition", I must say he seems like a real good person with sound ideas. He talks often about and demonstrates "his passion", something I consider very beautiful. No matter if you like basketball or not, you should listen to this wonderful tape.

 

  Billy Joel, TurnStiles, CBS, Inc, 1976.

 

  I've came across better Billy Joel albums, but this one still has his trademark realness. The song "Angry Young Man" seems to be a critique of the lifestyle protestors. We protestors need to think about the philosophy of doing what we do. I do feel that he is overly critical of our mind frames. I believe this album is a bit too mellow, and some of Joel's best songs are some of the non-mellow ones.

 

  Garth Brooks, The Chase, Liberty Records, 1992.

 

  Listening to this album, I for the first time, realized the meaning of the song "That Summer", tawdry, when before I thought it was more innocent. Yup, I do like some Garth Brooks songs.

 

  Don Henley, Building the Perfect Beast, Geffen, 1984.

 

  This album may be about "Building the Perfect Beast", but it is not about "Building the Perfect Album" for me.

 

  Beach, Greatest Hits, Capitol Records, 1999.

 

  About every other song is about surfing. Most of this fare is really light, nothing deep. It seems as if all the songs have the same harmony. "Kokomo" has got to be the best song of the lot. It's nice to think of beautiful warm places when I'm stuck in cold Minnesota right now.

  The No Spin Zone, Bill O'Reilly, Books on Tape, Inc, 2001.

 

  He does seem fair minded and I was impressed by the some of his variety of topics and people to discuss. He
talked about such non banal subjects such as Puff Daddy and NAMBLA. Though we should recognize the fact that it is usually much easier to be the questioner of people rather than being the one questioned. In a way, what he does is a television version of Federation Without Television, except, we generally try to find virtue in people's views first while he seems to do the opposite.

 

  The Darwin Awards: Evolution in Action, Wendy Northcutt, read by Jason Harris, Listen and Live Audio, 2000 and 2001.

 

  The opposite of dull. There was a little of overlap between the two books, but that's not the end of the world. In the excellent group of audio tapes out there. The concept is a fab one, and Wendy Northcutt deserves props for thinking of it and carrying it out.

 

  Books

 

  Blind Love: the True Story of the Texas Cadet Murder, Peter Meyer, St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1998.

 

  If crime books are this good, I should read more! I read this book in only a day or two. The number of pages read increased rapidly. It was the type of story I am allured to, an abrupt fall from grace, a very abrupt fall from grace story. Personal stories are great to read because they are often a lot more interesting that dry facts.

 

  White House: Confidential: The Little Book of Weird Presidential History, Greg Stebben and Jim Morris, Cumberland House Publishing, 1998.

 

  In my early days, I was much interested in the Presidents. I memorized them all. I still can recite them in order. I also still enjoy reading about them. This book was done right and is a hit!

 

  Stupid White Men, Michael Moore, Regan Books, 2001.

 

  Moore's good because he is an iconoclast who's blunt about the evil and injustice out there. It sure was interesting to find out that he was injured by a selfish drunk driver. That would be powerful if he could join us in the anti-alcohol movement. His passion and style could be a wonderful asset. He is a bit too liberal for me, but on some issues, this liberalism is good. His stabs at Bush are much needed.

 

  Split-Level: Dykes to Watch Out For, Alison Bechdel, Firebrand Books, 1998.

 

  I didn't care for the nudity drawn largely because I personally did not find the characters who were drawn nude, attractive. It's a thought out comic because the whole book tells a story. I imagine books like these can be rather effective in getting people to understand lesbianism better, getting people to see that lesbians are people just like everyone else. Bravo for doing that. There's this picture of a "Mark Sashara" on back. I couldn't quite figure out why. Is he the illustrator? The publisher? Why not a picture of Alison Bechdel?

 

  Who's The Next President?: An Irreverent Guide to Everyone Who's Running - Or Should Be Running For President of the United States, Ken Lawless,Philip Leif Group, Inc, 1988.

 

  I believe I have heard of Ken Lawless before. If some of these people did run for president, the presidential races would be much better. Too many politicians are boring. It's good that the author takes stabs at the 1988 presidential candidates. Although this work is satire, it opens up our imaginations to who could run for office.

 

  I Ain't Got Time to Bleed: Reworking the Body Politic From the Bottom Up, Jesse Ventura, Random House, 1999.

 

  I am excited that Jesse Ventura was elected governor of Minnesota, it was an awesome advancement for third parties. I surely don't agree with everything Ventura believes in or does, but I'm glad that third parties have made this much progress. Now, I even live in the state with the third party governor. The book is categorized as "Autobiography/ Politics" on the cover, which is a good way to categorize it. This is because Jesse talks about his life and also shares his political views. Ventura is too macho for my tastes, but the trait everyone seems to notice about him: his guts and candor, exactly the type of people we need in government. Politically, I'm much different from Ventura's libertarian views. His views on education seem a bit contrary. He supports public education up to secondary school, at a free cost for people. Yet he believes already workaholic students should work more to pay for college. The problem is his argument that society is better by public education, thus taxpayers should pay for it. But he also believes college students should pay the enormous costs of college. Mr. Ventura isn't society bettered by college education too? I believe it is a legitimate taxpayer expenditure especially if tax payer funded high school is also considered legitimate. I can take something and leave something with Ventura's life and his ideas, to add on to my political eclecticism.

 

  Soliah: The Sara Jane Olson Story, Sharon Darby Hendry, Cable Publishing, 2002.

 

  A good portion of the book seems to be a condensed version of Patty Hearst's book, she seems to tell it the same as Patty Hearst. Now and then, she did add some extra information to Patty's. Reading this condensed version of Hearst's book was addicting, but the author's real contribution came what she wrote about afterwards. I'm looked for a bit of information on the internet about Kathy Soliah, and not all of it is fully updated, it's nice to see a book about it that is very timely. The book has some helpful features such as "Cast of Supporting Characters", "Pertinent Political and Radical Players", "Timeline" and "Where are they Now?" These well-organized features are a terse summary of the vital information. I sure dug reading a book like this. Yes, "Truth is Stranger than fiction."

 

  The Criminal Law Handbook: Know Your Rights, Survive the System, Attorneys Paul Bergman and Sara J. Bergman-Barrett, Nolo Press, 1999.

 

  There are good books and there are absolutely great books. This tome is in the latter category. Many books a person just reads, but this book has wonderful practical application to one's life. It is something everyone can use and everyone should be aware of. I typed up the most important information to be used later if and when I need it. I love the empowerment I can from learning all this, this book provides a true education! The writing was stellar because it was so clear and interesting. I loved the examples, they were very effective. The examples used humorous names, sometimes puns, sometimes names of celebrities. I observed the authors used a whole bunch of O.J. Simpson examples. This fact appears to be a sign of how important this trial was. The graphics were cute and even silly! Since the authors are lawyers, I am skeptical of their advice against self-representation. I'm skeptical of that advice anyways. Empowerment all the way!

 

  And then the Vulture Eats You: Ultramarathons: Journeys of Discovery, John Parker, Jr. editor, Cedarwinds Publishing, 1991.

 

  Books on ultramarathoning seem quite rare. I am not just referring to availability in my area, but to the larger fact that even looking on worldwide databases, a person is liable to find only a couple of books at most. This book had to be obtained from interlibrary loan, and I am rather glad I did that. It didn't take very long to read this and since it was as interesting as it was, I wish it would have been longer. But of course, good books never are long enough. I enjoyed how the book had different writers discuss a variety of ultra-races. I hope to soon run an ultra-race. Wonderful books like this serve as fantastic inspiration.

 

  King Alcohol Dethorned, Ferninand Cowle Inglehart, D.D. The American Issue Publishing Company, 1919.

 

  I feel as if sometimes I was born in the wrong era, due to my ideas. I am a neo-prohibitionist who has found almost no one who shares my brand of anti-alcohol views. It sure would be interesting to live in an era when a large percentage of society is receptive to such views, as opposed to now, when most people are hostile and critical. I sometimes feel as if I have this connection to these prohibition movement people from years and years ago. Oftentimes, newer books have better perspectiv
es and keener insights than older books, but this is often completely opposite in the matter of Prohibition. The older books about Prohibition are usually more right than even the best anti drug advocates today. On the title page of this book, it says that the author was a "lecturer on Sociology and temperance" at Syracuse U. Maybe sociology has changed too, because he seems way more biased towards a given idea than I have seen any sociologist be, in fact, I have heard sociologists caution against such an approach. Actually, I like how he is so outspoken and passionate about Prohibition, that is way cool that he was a "lecturer on temperance". This is a Great book written at the pinnacle of this glorious movement about such an important issue. I learned some more, which is helpful ammunition in the fight against the shame of alcohol. The author sure has good opinions. The author covers many different areas, demonstrating how alcohol can be harmful to most any field or undertaking. One main motif is him discussing how prominent people such as Abraham Lincoln, Joe Corbett, Theodore Roosevelt and others have spoken out against alcohol. Though, I should say that proponents of logic caution against "appeals to authority" to prove points. But it is nice to see all these great people have the guts to condemn injustice. Importantly, he gloriously refutes the rubbish spouted by the villainous alcohol industry. I don't share his religious views, which unfortunately, lots of these prohibition advocates had. However, I have been thinking about how religion can be used as a force to halt alcohol. This author discusses Roosevelt's courage to keep taverns closed on Sundays. Normally, I would oppose the church state encroachment involved in such a blue law. But lately, I have been thinking that the alcohol industry is the greater evil than this type of church state encroachment, thus I might support such a blue law. Getting any type of edge over the liquor industry is difficult, thus a blue law might be sadly be one of the better bets to chip away their armor. Also, I must highly recommend this book because most books available in libraries about the subject of prohibition are ultra critical, thus this supportive book is very refreshing.

 

  Killer Cults, James J. Boyle, St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1995.

 

  I was offended that the great organization, MOVE, was included in here. Furthermore, I was offended with the tone in which the author described MOVE. I think MOVE is great. I thought the author should have made a distinction between the badness of groups that kill themselves and those that kill others, but he lumped them together under the name "Killer Cults". I do think the point he was trying to make was that both types are harmful. The book was interesting, though some profiles interested me less than others. I am beginning to really enjoy books about crime, and since I have been interested in cults for awhile, this book has appeal.

 

  Do I Stand Alone: Going to the Mat Against Political Pawns and Media Jackals, Jesse Ventura with Julie Mooney, Pocket Books, 2000.

 

  I am proud to live in a state who has had a third party governor like Ventura. Rad book, he makes good points in a very good writing style. I enjoy reading his books. I am so glad he is in politics. I hope to read his latest book too, which will serve perfectly as I have already read this book and his first book. Way to go, Jesse, Ventura.

 

  Women Behind Bars: The True Story of Female Criminals in Prison, Wensley Clarkson, St. Martin Paperbacks, 1998.

 

  I wish there were more pictures, because I really enjoy pictures in books like this. The author is good at authorship. Books like this, make this crime genre so appealing.

 

  Periodicals

 

  Simpson Comics, Bongo Comics, 2001.

 

  These comics are the bomb! As wonderful as can be. These comics often have some outrageous happening to the Simpson family, then life returns to normal. Ending that predictable routine would be my only suggestion here for improvement. When something is as great as this, there is very little room for improvement!