Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Conclusions on Superman: Truth

www.dccomics.com
I just finished reading Superman: Truth. The main focus of the story is Lois Lane has informed to the world that Clark Kent is Superman. The story then follows how the people of Metropolis react to the news, along with the new Batman, played by Jim Gordon, and Wonder Woman.

I really enjoyed this story. I feel that it did a great job of emphasizing Clark Kent the "man". One aspect of the Superman character I've never really liked, is when the writers try to make Superman out to be a "god". I always enjoyed it when Superman is written as a man that can do extraordinary things. For me that's the magic of the character. He's an individual who understands who he is and accepts it. It's like he is fully accepting himself.

Truth really hit on these aspects of the character. Now the story is told non-linearly. I recommend that you read it in the following order by titles:

Superman
Action Comics
Superman/Wonder Woman
Batman/Superman

If you are looking for a different type of Superman story, Truth is one to check out.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Essay Writing

So I'm currently reading Books v. Cigarettes by George Orwell, and I'm really enjoying it. I find that a well written essay really gets me thinking about how I approach items in my everyday life. It's getting me to think differently and I like that.

I'm going to start a list of other famous essayist I should read more of.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Books v. Cigarettes by George Orwell

Photo Credit: Peter Kreten
I'm reading this very engaging collection of essays by the one and only George Orwell. They are in a collection entitled Books v. Cigarettes, and they are a collection of articles Orwell published throughout his life. And as the title suggests, books versus cigarettes is debated.

It begins with Orwell discussing an article he read about how "blue collar' workers weren't buying books anymore because they were far too expensive. So Orwell took an estimate of how many books he purchased throughout his life time and developed an average cost. He then did an estimate of how much money he spent on cigarettes for one year. As you might expect, cigarettes were more expensive than books.

But it doesn't end there. Orwell argues that yes books can be expensive, but their purchase should be seen as more of an investment. You can always learn something new from a book. If you keep a book for a long period of time, you could read it multiple times, and receive multiple experiences of entertainment. And finally, if worst came to worst, you can always re-sell any book you purchase at a second hand book story.

This is the first type of essay anthology of Orwell's that I have read. I am finding the material very engaging, and I think that it would be useful for any person who thinks books are a poor purchase choice to read.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

44 Years Ago Today....

www.wikipedia.org
44 years ago today, John Lennon released his iconic album "Imagine". What can be said about this album that already hasn't been said? It is the very definition of a masterpiece. Imagine is home to one of his most legendary songs ever, aptly named Imagine. Some other great songs that call his album home include: "How Do You Sleep at Night", "Crippled Inside", "Oh Yoko", "Jealous Guy", and one of my favorite Lennon songs ever "Oh My Love".


"Imagine" is different that its predecessor "Plastic Ono Band". While "Plastic Ono Band" is an angry record, "Imagine" is not. It has moments of quiet reflection, love, and angry. For me, this album is yet another reason why John Lennon is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, song writer of all time.