So I have a small addiction to NPR and while gettin high on it today I heard about the auctioning of the waters of northwest Alaska to the oil companies. 29 million acres to be exact. There was a record bid of $2.6 billion, which leads me to believe that anyone can get what they want for the right amount of money. It made me kinda sick. Not to mention this is polar bear land, and they are already being threatened by global warming- the first species to be on the list. (which leads me to the next reference to polar bears that I had today- did you know their skin is black and their fur is actually transparent so that it absorbs heat... you go talking about polar bears and you learn all SORTS of stuff).
Now I'm not a super freak environmentalist or anything. It was more like a gut feeling of wrong with the situation. It seems like the last lingering of hope of any preservation. I know we need oil (I also have my own conspiracy theories on that... just look up the hemp industry in this country if you think our country has good intentions about our resources), but I wonder if this oil is going to be worth all the destruction it will cause. They estimate a 50% chance of an oil spill because it is water not land. Those stakes seem a little high to me. I have never been to Alaska but my sister-in-law's family owns property there and I saw pictures of my brother's trip- it was the kind of beauty that makes the world still seem okay, like we haven't completely killed it yet.
Oh and here rare the cute babies. Yes, that's right, babies babies babies. :P
Missing Image ;(
Missing Image ;(
oh so many books and genres, I couldnt possibly choose! However, I consulted 'Urim and Thummim' and it would be wise to read, "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. ;) Quick, easy and discussion ready- much personal interpretation..
I like Paulo Coelho, too. If you can, get a copy of the audiobook of The Alchemist read by Jeremy Irons. That story + that voice = amazing. It should be your personal legend to get that audiobook.
I too am okay with almost anything. I wouldn't mind a classic that everyone has supposed to have read but no one really has.
I read Wuthering Heights a couple years ago and was blown away. Not that I'm suggesting WH (especially since I'm selfish and want to read something new to me).
Might I suggest anything by Paulo Coelho. His books are amazing, and easy to read.
I have a wide range of tastes and I'm not opposed to reading something I wouldn't normally read. So whatever people pick, I'll give it a try.
Mondays are good for me and after Easter, Wednesdays and Thursdays will return to normal for me as well. Although, Wednesday at 8pm is America's Next Top Model, so...ya know...
I wish I could join your bookclub, but alas, grad students have no time for pleasure readings. But might I suggest anything by Octavia Butler... she is classified "science fiction" but it is more like speculative fiction and social commentary. Always a fabulous read and TONS to discuss!