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George H

George H

I am the Director of Technology at a K-8 school in New York. I am a book addict. Mostly non-fiction.
  • Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, USA
  • member since March 25 2009

George H’s last login was 4 days ago. show recent activity »

Books I plan to read

     
 
 
 

Public Notes

  • Mimi M

    Mimi M says

    Got it! I'll totally be prepared. Got a big soccer game tomorrow. The team we're playing hasn't lost yet... OH NO!

    posted 2 weeks ago. ( send a note )
  • Mimi M

    Mimi M says

    Hey!!! How are you???

    posted 2 weeks ago. ( send a note )
  • philosophefop

    philosophefop says

    Having done a brief project on eugenics for a Theory of Knowledge class back in high school, I too found that part thought provoking. It is an interesting coincidence that as I logged in to my email today I happened to glance at a headline on the news section of the Yahoo! homepage that talked about genetically engineered monkeys passing on a green glow to their offspring. It frightens me to think what might have occurred had the double helix been discovered at the time of eugenics; as it is they seemed to have rushed right into things as it were. It seems to me natural that they extracted such a mercantilist aspect from Darwin's theory as it falls right in line with part of the colonization, alliance, etc mentality. It is interesting that even scientifically minded people whom Blom mentions were so ready to not only fall in with, but perpetuate what seems to *me* a much more political thought process, without, as you said trying, to find a fuller picture.

    The chapter on the Belgian rubber "wars" in the Congo Free State was a real eye-opener for me. Not that I am ignorant the violence-ravaged experience in Africa, but from the WWI "Rape of Belgium" and such, I had this picture in my mind of the country as a peaceful, innocent bystander. I think the picture of the King which Blom labeled as "The Face of Mass Murder" and the picture of the father contemplating the severed hand and foot of his five-year-old daughter really drove that chapter home. I really want to read a biography of E.D Morel now. Conrad's Heart of Darkness has been sitting on my bookshelf for a while now and I have regained my motivation to read it. (Have you seen the Lon Chaney film West of Zanzibar? It is only sort of related, but the dark visuals from when I saw it over two years ago really stuck in my head and this section of the book reminded me of that...) I definitely agree with your earlier note that The Vertigo Years is the kind of book that makes you want to pursue other readings!

    posted 6 months ago. ( send a note )
  • philosophefop

    philosophefop says

    Hello!
    Last week I was finally able to start The Vertigo Years, and I just finished it today. There is certainly a lot to say about the book! Did you finish it?

    posted 6 months ago. ( send a note )
  • Samik

    Samik says

    I have finished it few days ago. I liked the story. Are you enjoying reading it?

    posted 7 months ago. ( send a note )
  • philosophefop

    philosophefop says

    Hello George!

    Thank you so much for adding me as a friend.
    Actually 'The Vertigo Years' is only on my "planning to read" list. But since you've mentioned it, I'll definitely try to read it soon! When I do, will you still want to discuss it?

    posted 7 months ago. ( send a note )
  • Alvamir Pinto

    Alvamir Pinto says

    Dear George, I have just checked book stores in Brazil. The Curse of Tongues is not available here. If you try Amazon.com United Kingdom you will find it and it will cost you 4 pounds. I think it really pays to have the book. It is a must for foreign language students.
    See you. Alvamir

    posted 8 months ago. ( send a note )
  • Alvamir Pinto

    Alvamir Pinto says

    Hi George,
    Details of the book are as follows: Published by PALL MALL PRESS LTD. 77-79 Charlotte Street, London W1 and Dunmow, Essex
    First published in 1965. In Brazil there is special site that congregates all used book stores in the country. If I can't find here I shall try in England where a friend of mine, a British author may give me a hand. By the way, Naming Day in Eden is hilarious and a most exhilarating reading. I will return to you as soon as I can. Cheers. Alvamir

    posted 8 months ago. ( send a note )
  • Alvamir Pinto

    Alvamir Pinto says

    That book about the creation of the Oxford Dictionary is a book I found interesting when I first came accross it a long time ago. I had since forgotten its title and the name of the author. I am glad that you placed it on my way again. The Tyranny of words must be worth reading. Besides novels in general, I enjoy books on the study of languages. Two which I strongly recommend are: The curse of tongues (by Douglas Busk) and Naming day in Eden, the creation and recreation of Language (by Noah Jonathan Jacobs).

    posted 8 months ago. ( send a note )