Witchcraft! Sorcerer! Neat!
Jul. 8th, 2013 11:48 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
vovatToday, ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
bethje and I went shopping at the Jersey Gardens outlet mall, where most things aren't really any cheaper than at any other mall. I also got a new pair of sneakers at Kohl's, which is good because I must have had my current pair for a few years now. When I'm going somewhere that isn't work and doesn't require walking, I'll often just wear a pair of slip-on shoes, but the ones I have now are pretty worn out. I might have to get a new pair of those as well.
The latest Futurama episode, "Forty Percent Leadbelly," was based on the actual technology of 3D printing, although it obviously hasn't reached the point that we see in the show. According to the Wikipedia page, a three-dimensional model of an object is created by laying down "successive layers of liquid, powder, paper or sheet material to build the model from a series of cross sections." The material that the Make-O-Matic used in the episode was nano-plastic, an actual term used for plastic reinforced by nanotechnology. There's been some controversy over a successful prototype gun created through 3D printing, which already sounds pretty science-fiction-y to me, even if you can't produce bullets that way. I don't know if a 3D printer could make a functional guitar, but I'm sure live octopuses are still a long way away. The episode was similar to Bender's Game in that Bender was able to create physical objects and even living beings using his imagination, although the explanation made a little more sense this time.
Here's a survey on books and reading that I got fromslfcllednowhere:
1. Favourite childhood book?
Depends on which part of childhood. Early on, Winnie-the-Pooh. Later, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. For adolescence, pretty much anything with "Oz" in the title.
2. What are you reading right now?
Nostradamus: The Illustrated Prophecies, edited by Peter Lemesurier
3. What books do you have on request at the library?
None right now.
4. Bad book habit?
Wanting to read when other people are around, although I've generally been avoiding this as of late.
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
The Nostradamus book, a few Asterix comics, a Carl Barks Donald Duck volume, and Catching Fire.
6. Do you have an e-reader?
No, although I'd probably use one if someone gave me one. My general preference is for actual physical books.
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
I skip around. My practice in recent years has been to switch about every five chapters, unless a book is particularly riveting.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
Not particularly, aside from the fact that I usually write an entry about a book after finishing it.
9. Least favourite book you read this year (so far?)
I might have to say The Silmarillion, although there are certainly things I liked about it.
10. Favourite book you've read this year?
Too difficult to answer. I've read a lot of cool stuff this year.
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
When something I wouldn't normally read is recommended to me, or when I read something ironically. Haven't had much time for the latter as of late (not to mention that I feel a little embarrassed checking out books I intend not to like), but I do have somewhat of a lingering desire to see if Twilight and The Da Vinci Code are really as bad as people say.
12. What is your reading comfort zone?
Fantasy, mythology, comedy, books examining religion from outside.
13. Can you read on the bus?
Yes, although it's been a while since I took a bus ride long enough to merit it.
14. Favourite place to read?
In bed, which I understand isn't such a good idea, but whatever.
15. What is your policy on book lending?
Really, it rarely comes up. I'd probably lend something to a person I trusted, though.
16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
No, I use bookmarks. When I can find them, anyway.
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
No
18. Not even with text books?
No, but I can't say the same for the people who previously owned some of my textbooks.
19. What is your favourite language to read in?
English
20. What makes you love a book?
All kinds of factors, but I guess the big one is engaging writing.
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
I'm honestly not big on recommending, as people I know tend to have quite different tastes. If anyone has been inspired to read something based on my reviews, though, I'd be glad to take credit. {g}
22. Favourite genre?
Comic fantasy
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)
I really should read more history, considering that I have my Bachelor's in that subject.
24. Favourite biography?
I can't even recall most of the ones I've read. Sarah Silverman's was quite good.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
Not that I can recall.
26. Favourite cookbook?
Yeah, like I cook. I had a Disney cookbook I liked as a kid.
27. Most inspirational book you've read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
I guess the one about cartoons.
28. Favourite reading snack?
Just about anything. Eating and reading at the same time is a bad habit of mine.
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
Can't think of one offhand.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
I don't read many critical reviews.
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I try to be honest, but unless I absolutely hated something, I'll try to mention the good points even in something I didn't like a whole lot. Also, I try to be a little more tactful when I think the author might actually see the review.
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?
If I could magically read another language, I might choose Latin. Most realistically, I wouldn't mind brushing up on my German.
33. Most intimidating book you've ever read?
Les Miserables.
34. Most intimidating book you're too nervous to begin?
I always kind of thought I should read Beowulf, but I've heard it's difficult. I've read abridged versions of the story.
35. Favorite poet?
I've never been that much into poetry. Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky and The Hunting of the Snark are favorites of mine. If you want someone who's best known as a poet, maybe T.S. Eliot.
36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
I usually try to limit it to three or so, but there have certainly been occasions when I've surpassed that.
37. How often have you returned a book to the library unread?
Not too often, but it's happened.
38. Favorite fictional character?
That's a tough one. T.H. White's version of Merlin comes to mind.
39. Favorite fictional villain?
The Nome King
40. Books I'm most likely to bring on vacation?
Whatever I'm reading, but if I have several books I'm working on, I tend to take ones I'm farther from finishing.
41. The longest I've gone without reading.
I'm pretty much always reading something, even if it's just my e-mail.
42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
I read part of a complete Arabian Nights, and I doubt I'll ever finish the whole thing. I might try again at some point, though.
43. What distracts you easily when you're reading?
Just about everything.
44. Favourite film adaptation of a novel?
I don't know. The movie is rarely as good as the book, although there are exceptions. The Wizard of Oz is a great movie, although the book is better. Stardust was a really good adaptation, better than the book in some ways (albeit not as good in others).
45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
Frozen. No, obviously I haven't seen that yet, but it came to mind because I recently came across this Tumblr post. I know there must have been plenty, but I'm drawing a blank here. I barely remember the Eragon movie, but then I barely remember the book either. Oh, and the Percy Jackson movie was pretty weak.
46. The most money I've ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
I don't remember, but I generally don't buy that much at one time. If I space it out, it seems like I'm not spending as much, even if I really am.
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
Most of the time I do a little skimming, but not enough to really catch major plot elements.
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
If it was a tedious read.
49. Do you like to keep your books organised?
I LIKE to, but right now they're not.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you've read them?
Keep them.
51. Are there any books you've been avoiding?
I wouldn't say so.
52. Name a book that made you angry.
Would it be cheating to say Bill O'Reilly's Culture Warrior, considering that was an ironic read anyway?
53. A book you didn't expect to like but did?
I can't think of any offhand, but there probably are some.
54. A book that you expected to like but didn't?
Again, I'm drawing a blank.
55. Favourite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
Oz books
And then there's this:
Obviously they didn't ask the right questions for the Dumb/Dork/Awkward category. And if it had been the Odyssey instead of the Iliad, I have a copy on the shelf to my left.
bethje and I went shopping at the Jersey Gardens outlet mall, where most things aren't really any cheaper than at any other mall. I also got a new pair of sneakers at Kohl's, which is good because I must have had my current pair for a few years now. When I'm going somewhere that isn't work and doesn't require walking, I'll often just wear a pair of slip-on shoes, but the ones I have now are pretty worn out. I might have to get a new pair of those as well.The latest Futurama episode, "Forty Percent Leadbelly," was based on the actual technology of 3D printing, although it obviously hasn't reached the point that we see in the show. According to the Wikipedia page, a three-dimensional model of an object is created by laying down "successive layers of liquid, powder, paper or sheet material to build the model from a series of cross sections." The material that the Make-O-Matic used in the episode was nano-plastic, an actual term used for plastic reinforced by nanotechnology. There's been some controversy over a successful prototype gun created through 3D printing, which already sounds pretty science-fiction-y to me, even if you can't produce bullets that way. I don't know if a 3D printer could make a functional guitar, but I'm sure live octopuses are still a long way away. The episode was similar to Bender's Game in that Bender was able to create physical objects and even living beings using his imagination, although the explanation made a little more sense this time.
Here's a survey on books and reading that I got from
slfcllednowhere:1. Favourite childhood book?
Depends on which part of childhood. Early on, Winnie-the-Pooh. Later, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. For adolescence, pretty much anything with "Oz" in the title.
2. What are you reading right now?
Nostradamus: The Illustrated Prophecies, edited by Peter Lemesurier
3. What books do you have on request at the library?
None right now.
4. Bad book habit?
Wanting to read when other people are around, although I've generally been avoiding this as of late.
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
The Nostradamus book, a few Asterix comics, a Carl Barks Donald Duck volume, and Catching Fire.
6. Do you have an e-reader?
No, although I'd probably use one if someone gave me one. My general preference is for actual physical books.
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
I skip around. My practice in recent years has been to switch about every five chapters, unless a book is particularly riveting.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
Not particularly, aside from the fact that I usually write an entry about a book after finishing it.
9. Least favourite book you read this year (so far?)
I might have to say The Silmarillion, although there are certainly things I liked about it.
10. Favourite book you've read this year?
Too difficult to answer. I've read a lot of cool stuff this year.
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
When something I wouldn't normally read is recommended to me, or when I read something ironically. Haven't had much time for the latter as of late (not to mention that I feel a little embarrassed checking out books I intend not to like), but I do have somewhat of a lingering desire to see if Twilight and The Da Vinci Code are really as bad as people say.
12. What is your reading comfort zone?
Fantasy, mythology, comedy, books examining religion from outside.
13. Can you read on the bus?
Yes, although it's been a while since I took a bus ride long enough to merit it.
14. Favourite place to read?
In bed, which I understand isn't such a good idea, but whatever.
15. What is your policy on book lending?
Really, it rarely comes up. I'd probably lend something to a person I trusted, though.
16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
No, I use bookmarks. When I can find them, anyway.
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
No
18. Not even with text books?
No, but I can't say the same for the people who previously owned some of my textbooks.
19. What is your favourite language to read in?
English
20. What makes you love a book?
All kinds of factors, but I guess the big one is engaging writing.
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
I'm honestly not big on recommending, as people I know tend to have quite different tastes. If anyone has been inspired to read something based on my reviews, though, I'd be glad to take credit. {g}
22. Favourite genre?
Comic fantasy
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)
I really should read more history, considering that I have my Bachelor's in that subject.
24. Favourite biography?
I can't even recall most of the ones I've read. Sarah Silverman's was quite good.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
Not that I can recall.
26. Favourite cookbook?
Yeah, like I cook. I had a Disney cookbook I liked as a kid.
27. Most inspirational book you've read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
I guess the one about cartoons.
28. Favourite reading snack?
Just about anything. Eating and reading at the same time is a bad habit of mine.
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
Can't think of one offhand.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
I don't read many critical reviews.
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I try to be honest, but unless I absolutely hated something, I'll try to mention the good points even in something I didn't like a whole lot. Also, I try to be a little more tactful when I think the author might actually see the review.
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?
If I could magically read another language, I might choose Latin. Most realistically, I wouldn't mind brushing up on my German.
33. Most intimidating book you've ever read?
Les Miserables.
34. Most intimidating book you're too nervous to begin?
I always kind of thought I should read Beowulf, but I've heard it's difficult. I've read abridged versions of the story.
35. Favorite poet?
I've never been that much into poetry. Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky and The Hunting of the Snark are favorites of mine. If you want someone who's best known as a poet, maybe T.S. Eliot.
36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
I usually try to limit it to three or so, but there have certainly been occasions when I've surpassed that.
37. How often have you returned a book to the library unread?
Not too often, but it's happened.
38. Favorite fictional character?
That's a tough one. T.H. White's version of Merlin comes to mind.
39. Favorite fictional villain?
The Nome King
40. Books I'm most likely to bring on vacation?
Whatever I'm reading, but if I have several books I'm working on, I tend to take ones I'm farther from finishing.
41. The longest I've gone without reading.
I'm pretty much always reading something, even if it's just my e-mail.
42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
I read part of a complete Arabian Nights, and I doubt I'll ever finish the whole thing. I might try again at some point, though.
43. What distracts you easily when you're reading?
Just about everything.
44. Favourite film adaptation of a novel?
I don't know. The movie is rarely as good as the book, although there are exceptions. The Wizard of Oz is a great movie, although the book is better. Stardust was a really good adaptation, better than the book in some ways (albeit not as good in others).
45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
Frozen. No, obviously I haven't seen that yet, but it came to mind because I recently came across this Tumblr post. I know there must have been plenty, but I'm drawing a blank here. I barely remember the Eragon movie, but then I barely remember the book either. Oh, and the Percy Jackson movie was pretty weak.
46. The most money I've ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
I don't remember, but I generally don't buy that much at one time. If I space it out, it seems like I'm not spending as much, even if I really am.
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
Most of the time I do a little skimming, but not enough to really catch major plot elements.
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
If it was a tedious read.
49. Do you like to keep your books organised?
I LIKE to, but right now they're not.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you've read them?
Keep them.
51. Are there any books you've been avoiding?
I wouldn't say so.
52. Name a book that made you angry.
Would it be cheating to say Bill O'Reilly's Culture Warrior, considering that was an ironic read anyway?
53. A book you didn't expect to like but did?
I can't think of any offhand, but there probably are some.
54. A book that you expected to like but didn't?
Again, I'm drawing a blank.
55. Favourite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
Oz books
And then there's this:
Obviously they didn't ask the right questions for the Dumb/Dork/Awkward category. And if it had been the Odyssey instead of the Iliad, I have a copy on the shelf to my left.
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Date: 2013-07-10 10:09 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-07-10 06:40 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-07-11 04:51 am (UTC)http://news.discovery.com/tech/gear-and-gadgets/self-assembling-4d-printed-materials-take-shape-130604.htm