Learning New Things Every Day

I just started reading Jesus of Nazareth (vol .2) by Benedict XVI this week.  One of the most interesting items I learned was abut an incident that Flavius Josephus describes.  The event took place in 66 A.D.  "At the Feast of Pentecost, when the priests had gone into the inner court of the Temple at night to perform the usual ceremonies, they declared that they were aware, first of a violent movement and a loud crash, then of a concerted cry:  'Let us go hence'".  He describes this as perhaps fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus that "Your house will be deserted."

What's Wrong with the World by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think he may have been incorrect about some differences between men and women. However, he seems spot on regarding modernity. He points out the problems with both Capitalism and Socialism. Soap and Socialism or Beer and Liberty!

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A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think that I mark it down for the moral ambiguity disguised as "realism". Basically the universe seems to be all about gathering power and avoiding pain. Is that realism? I may read more, but I also think I might look for something better.

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Had a great time at the St. Sebastian School Mardi Gras event:


https://www.facebook.com/St.SebastianAuction

Star Wars: The Old Republic - 2011-12-16 21:49

My Review of Reality is Broken

Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World by Jane McGonigal

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


She is a bit stuck on herself and the book becomes a bit repetitive. However, she does have some good points if you can get past the pop psychology and rosy picture of gaming potential.



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Volume III (part III)

I continued rounding up the Rangers. My next trip took me to the Shire where I went to see the Ranger Halros. He wanted me to deal with some troublemakers scouring the Shire.












Then it was off to the North Downs to recruit Halbarad. Halbarad asked me to help drive out some Angmarim in the North Downs that were trying to establish a foothold there. They had erected statues to the Witch King and others in a far North-East cave.