Pick of Games Played in 2015

Playing games is still considered a guilty pleasure. This is a shame,
   because research seems to show some games are actually good for our
   mental health and general well-being:
   * "7 health benefits of playing video games"
     <http://theweek.com/articles/466852/7-health-benefits-playing-video-games>
   * "Your brain on video games"
     <http://www.apa.org/monitor/feb07/yourbrain.aspx>

   1. Games Played in 2015

   I didn't have much time for games last year, but I did enjoy playing a
   handful of "casual" games.

   * Alto's Adventure
     <http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/altos-adventure>
   "Above the placid ivory snow lies a sleepy mountain village, brimming
   with the promise of adventure."
   An endless runner (in this case, you play a snowboarder), which is not
   the type of game I usually like. It won me over with its simple yet
   well-done graphics, and the ability to do backflips, grinds and other
   thrilling tricks and combos.

   * The Bridge
     <http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-bridge>
   "The Bridge is a 2D logic puzzle game that forces the player to
   reevaluate their preconceptions of physics and perspective."
   This game should appeal to fans of Escher-like impossible architecture.

   * Prune
     <http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/prune>
   "With a swipe of a finger, grow and shape your tree into the sunlight
   while avoiding the dangers of a hostile world. Bring life to a forgotten
   landscape, and uncover a story hidden deep beneath the soil."
   Simple and almost meditative casual game.

   * Bonza
     <http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/bonza-word-puzzle>
   Developed by an Australian company, this is a pleasing little word
   puzzle game. The free daily puzzles are great for filling five minutes
   or so of idle time. Puzzle packs can be earned or bought in-game.

   2. Playing Soon

   Here are some recent releases I'm hoping to tackle this year.

   * StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void
     <http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/starcraft-ii-legacy-of-the-void>
   "StarCraft II continues the epic saga of the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg.
   These three distinct and powerful races clash once again in the
   fast-paced real-time strategy sequel to the legendary original,
   StarCraft."

   * The Stanley Parable
     <http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-stanley-parable>
   "It is a first person exploration game. You will play as Stanley, and
   you will not play as Stanley. You will follow a story, you will not
   follow a story. You will have a choice, you will have no choice. The
   game will end, the game will never end."

   * The Room Three
     <http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/the-room-three>
   "Welcome to The Room Three, a physical puzzle game within a beautifully
   tactile world."

   3. Other Recommendations

   Here are some of my favourite games played in prior years.

   * Monument Valley
     <http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/monument-valley>
   "In Monument Valley you will manipulate impossible architecture and
   guide a silent princess through a beautiful world. Monument Valley is a
   surreal exploration through fantastical architecture and impossible
   geometry. Guide the silent princess Ida through mysterious monuments,
   uncovering hidden paths, unfolding optical illusions and outsmarting the
   enigmatic Crow People."

   * Fez
     <http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/fez>
   "In Fez, you play as Gomez, a 2D creature living in what he believes is
   a 2D world. Until a strange and powerful artifact reveals to him the
   existence of a mysterious third dimension!"

   * The Room and The Room Two
     <http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-room>
     <http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/the-room-two>

Pick of Music Listened to in 2015

   Music is arguably the greatest human achievement. Even animals can
   appreciate our music, unlike most other things we make. Every day I
   listen to music from my ever-growing collection, and sample new stuff
   via streaming services and the radio. Vocals can be distracting when I'm
   working on something tricky, learning new stuff or reading, so in recent
   years I've been getting more into instrumental music: classical,
   post-rock, soundtrack, contemporary and light jazz. My selections
   reflect this trend.

   1. New Releases in 2015

   Here are my favourite new releases from last year, roughly ranked
   starting with what I've enjoyed the most.

   * "Elements" by Ludovico Einaudi
     <https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/elements/id1027176835>
   Another masterpiece of contemporary classical music. Still too early to
   say where it fits into his canon, but an instant buy.

   * "The Chopin Project" by Ólafur Arnalds & Alice Sara Ott
     <https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/chopin-project/id962009544>
   Some of Chopin's best known pieces rearranged by this contemporary
   Icelandic composer, and performed along with a renowned German-Japanese
   classical pianist.

   * "Currents" by Tame Impala
     <https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/currents/id988638228>
   Latest album of psych grooves by this West Australian band. One of the
   rare cases where my current tastes intersect with Triple J listeners.

   * "Taranta Project" by Ludovico Einaudi
     <https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/taranta-project/id978310441>
   This folk/classical crossover collaboration grew out of Einaudi's recent
   curation of the annual Italian folk music festival called "La Notte
   della Taranta". World music with a Southern Italian accent. Einaudi has
   had a busy year.

   * "Courting the Squall" by Guy Garvey
     <https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/courting-the-squall/id1038861936>
   Debut solo album from the frontman on UK alternative rock stalwarts,
   Elbow. A bit more intimate than his main band's usual work.

   * "The 12th Room" by Ezio Bosso
     <https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/the-12th-room/id1054461669>
   Reworkings and new pieces from this minimalist classical and soundtrack
   composer.

   * "Risveglio" by Alessandro Cortini
     <https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/risveglio/id1021738695>
   Pleasing industrial/electronic sounds from this Nine Inch Nails
   collaborator.

   * "What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World" by The Decemberists
     <https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/what-terrible-world-what-beautiful/id939658531>
   Another collection of folky pop songs from this seasoned US band.

   * "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful" by Florence + the Machine
     <https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/how-big-how-blue-how-beautiful/id964546448>
   Third album from Florence Welch and band. I really liked their debut,
   "Lung" from 2009, so subsequent releases have come with high
   expectations to meet. May need a few more listens.

   2. Back Cataloguing (Pre-2015 Releases)

   Here's a selection of other artists whose back catalogue I've listened
   to and enjoyed in 2015.

   * Ólafur Arnalds
     <https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/olafur-arnalds/id265425550>
   * Max Richter
     <https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/max-richter/id54782697>
   * Nils Frahm
     <https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/nils-frahm/id86250605>
   * Brian Eno
     <https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/brian-eno/id38124>
   * Harold Budd
     <https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/harold-budd/id165411>

   I'm always keen to listen to new sounds, so let me know if there's
   anything else I should check out.

Pick of Movies Watched in 2015

   I don't seem to watch as many movies as I used to. I only saw one movie
   on the big screen in the whole of 2015. Until recently, I would borrow
   and watch at least one movie on DVD a week, but lately it's more like
   one or two a month. And I don't often watch movies broadcast on TV
   either. That's in part because I've found TV shows in this so-called
   "platinum" age of television more interesting and satisfying. I'll say
   more about that in a future post.

   Anyway, there were some movies I did enjoy watching for the first time
   in 2015.

   1. New Releases

   * "Inside Out"
     <http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/inside_out_2015/>
     <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/>
   "After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San
   Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness -
   conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school."

   A solid return to form for Pixar. Most of the studio's movies are
   technically excellent, but this one had a great and touching story as
   well.

   * "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
     <http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/star_wars_episode_vii_the_force_awakens/>
     <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2488496/>
   "Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat
   arises. The First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a ragtag
   group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance."

   Like many fans, I was a bit nervous about Episode VII. I went to see it
   at the cinema with a longtime friend and fellow Star Wars tragic. After
   the less-than stellar prequels, we were both very satisfied with the
   first release of the Disney era. Echoes of the classic trilogy are
   definitely present, but it was original enough, held together well
   (ignoring the questionable physics), and some cool new characters were
   introduced.

   * "Ex Machina"
     <http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ex_machina/>
     <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0470752/>
   "A young programmer is selected to participate in a ground-breaking
   experiment in synthetic intelligence by evaluating the human qualities
   of a breath-taking humanoid A.I."

   That premise was always going to grab my attention, and overall, this
   relatively low-budget movie delivered. I enjoyed it enough to re-watch
   it to see if I could catch any tells.

   2. Past Year Releases

   * "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
     <http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_grand_budapest_hotel/>
     <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2278388/>
   "The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel
   from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second
   World Wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most
   trusted friend."

   Inspired by the writings of Stefan Zweig, this Wes Anderson-directed
   comedy entertained me. I really enjoyed the fable-like qualities.

   * "Coherence"
     <http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/coherence_2013/>
     <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2866360/>
   "Strange things begin to happen when a group of friends gather for a
   dinner party on an evening when a comet is passing overhead."

   When I heard about this very low budget ($50,000!) parallel worlds
   sci-fi/thriller, I was intrigued. I don't buy the comet tie-in with
   quantum theory, but what really matters is the characters react to the
   situation. At only 90 minutes long, I had no qualms re-watching
   immediately to better grasp the intricate plot.

   * "Gone Girl"
     <http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gone_girl/>
     <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2267998/>
   "With his wife's disappearance having become the focus of an intense
   media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it's suspected
   that he may not be innocent."

   I held off watching this, but caved due to my crush on Rosamund Pike,
   and the fittingly edgy soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. I
   haven't read the book, and probably won't since it's all about the
   twist. It held my interest throughout.

   * "The Wolf of Wall Street"
     <http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_wolf_of_wall_street_2013/>
     <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0993846/>
   "Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy
   stock-broker living the high life to his fall involving crime,
   corruption and the federal government."

   I'd probably watch traffic directed by Martin Scorsese. I also enjoy
   seeing the shenanigans and excesses of the financial world being played
   out. Overall, worth watching despite the long playing time.

   * "Certified Copy"
     <http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/certified_copy/>
     <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1020773/>
   "In Tuscany to promote his latest book, a middle-aged British writer
   meets a French woman who leads him to the village of Lucignano. While
   there, a chance question reveals something deeper."

   They had me at Tuscany, but it wasn't just the scenery and architecture
   that kept me watching. It was almost like a two-person play, with the
   action mostly taking place over a single day. Solid acting and complex
   characters that required a repeat viewing to fully appreciate. It's
   probably not for everyone, though.

   3. New Releases NOT seen yet:

   * "The Martian"
   I've read and enjoyed the book (see earlier post), and will definitely
   catch the movie on DVD soon.

   * "Mad Max: Fury Road"
   After hearing lots of positive responses, I was tempted to go watch this
   on the big screen. Will also have to wait for the DVD.

   Feel free to suggest anything else I should check out.

Pick of Books Read in 2015

   After a lengthy hiatus, I'm going to reboot the B-List with a series of
   posts listing some of my personal entertainment highlights of 2015.
   First up, books.

   1. Fiction

   In retrospect, 2015 turned out to be a resurgence of quality
   speculative/science fiction for me. Twenty of the 53 novels I read last
   year were broadly-speaking sci-fi, and eight of those made it into my
   ten favourites.

   * "The Three-Body Problem" by Cixin Liu
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20518872-the-three-body-problem>
   Lots of interesting ideas: astronomy, mind-bending physics, some
   information theory and contact with an alien civilisation. All this
   starting with the Chinese Cultural Revolution as a historical prologue.
   It's the first book in a trilogy, and after the initial contact produces
   an unexpected response, humanity is left with a long and anxious wait
   for the arrival of the alien fleet.

   * "The Martian" by Andy Weir
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18007564-the-martian>
   When a mission to Mars goes wrong, the crew is ordered to evacuate and
   leave behind a critically injured astronaut. He survives and has access
   to food and other supplies, but faces a long wait until the next
   scheduled mission. There's lots of detailed science-based problem
   solving, with dashes of humour as he deals with a hostile environment.

   * "The Sparrow" by Mary Doria Russell
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/334176.The_Sparrow>
   Astronomers discover what appears to be evidence of intelligent life on
   a planet orbiting a nearby star. With the help of its financial and
   scientific supporters, the Jesuits beat the rest of the world in
   launching an exploratory mission. When they get there, they struggle to
   reconcile their humanity and faith with the realities of the alien
   societies they encounter.

   * "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" by Mary Wollstonecraft
   Shelley
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18490.Frankenstein>
   This is a classic, and arguably the first modern science fiction story.
   It holds up well, despite being written almost 200 years ago.

   * "Narcissus and Goldmund" by Hermann Hesse
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5954.Narcissus_and_Goldmund>
   This novel describes contrasting life journeys of two former residents
   of a monastery in Medieval Germany. Narcissus is a dedicated and
   knowledgable monk who devotes his life to teaching. Goldmund is a former
   pupil who abandons monastic life in search of passion and adventure.
   Weighty themes are covered, such as true friendship, discipline, and
   finding one's life purpose and meaning.

   * "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18373.Flowers_for_Algernon>
   After successfully increasing the intelligence of a mouse (Algernon),
   scientists experiment on a mentally challenged man in an attempt to make
   him "normal". Early results are encouraging, and the beneficial effects
   of the treatment continue. Soon Charlie's IQ goes beyond genius level.
   He also starts remembering and understanding his childhood for the first
   time. Old relationships are re-evaluated and new ones develop. But when
   Algernon's condition unexpectedly deteriorates, Charlie fears the worst.

   * "A Hero of Our Time" by Mikhail Lermontov
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/226378.A_Hero_of_Our_Time>
   A classic from one of the pioneers of Russian Romanticism. The
   adventures and stories of a not-so-loveable rogue, recounting abduction,
   drunkenness, cheating and duelling in and around the Caucasus during the
   1800s.

   * "Ancillary Justice" by Ann Leckie
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17333324-ancillary-justice>
   Following an act of treason destroys a starship, the artificial
   intelligence controlling that vessel inhabits one of the soldiers in its
   crew (Breq). S/he (gender is neutral in this advanced culture) joins
   with other survivors and tries to find those responsible, and uncovers a
   plot to overthrow the Radch Empire. First instalment of a trilogy, the
   followup wasn't as impressive. Hopefully the concluding book is better.

   * "Annihilation" by Jeff VanderMeer
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17934530-annihilation>
   Area X has long been isolated from the rest of civilisation. Many
   expeditions have been sent there, but few of participants return. Those
   who do return suffer fatal mental or physical problems. The latest
   expedition is sent with the names of the members intentionally
   suppressed. They refer to each other only by their roles. Will this help
   them deal with the psychological challenges of the mission? Also the
   start of trilogy, but I didn't find the remaining two books as
   satisfying.

   * "The Water Knife" by Paolo Bacigalupi
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23209924-the-water-knife>
   In the near future, access to water in south-western USA becomes a legal
   and political minefield, attracting criminals. When various interested
   parties get wind of a "game-changing" document in Phoenix, ruthless
   types converge on the surrounding area, endangering the lives of its
   struggling and unsuspecting inhabitants. Another competent eco-thriller
   from the author.

   See Goodreads for ratings.

   2. Non-fiction

   Last year wasn't such a memorable year for non-fiction: of the sixteen
   books read, only a few left a lasting impression.

   * "Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement With Everyday Life"
     by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/66321.Finding_Flow>
   This book argues that by doing something challenging yet achievable
   given your skills and ability, you can attain a state of mind which
   leaves you fully engaged. More than mere happiness, consistently
   entering this "flow" state when working, playing and engaged in other
   activities provides a sense of fulfillment. The author uses extensive
   real-world studies to support his case.

   * "Collection of Sand" by Italo Calvino
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18222747-collection-of-sand>
   This is a collection of essays and articles on a wide-range of topics.
   Calvino is my favourite Italian author, and he always manages to find
   interesting angles and observations on any subject, from Japanese
   gardens and temples, to the collection of sand referred to in the title.

   * "How to Find Fulfilling Work" by Roman Krznaric
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14059030-how-to-find-fulfilling-work>

   Perhaps unsurprisingly, most people hate their job. Since we spend
   arguably the best hours of our weekdays at work, you'd think it would be
   worth spending a bit of time trying to find a job we actually like
   doing. This book aims to help readers do that.

   * "Dreamland: Adventures in the Strange Science of Sleep"
     by David K. Randall
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13629711-dreamland>
   This book looks at another activity which occupies about a third of our
   lives: sleep. It features research studies and anecdotes, covering the
   various stages of sleep, historical references, sleep-related
   conditions. A couple of controversial findings: "high-quality"
   mattresses don't materially improve sleep, and sleeping alone apparently
   does.

   See Goodreads for ratings.

Micro-Reviews of Books Read, September 2014

Reviews of books read last month: two novels and a non-fiction book
   about the benefits of using technology.


   1. "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38447.The_Handmaid_s_Tale>
     <http://www.amazon.com/The-Handmaids-Tale/dp/038549081X>

   This dystopian novel was published in 1986 and is set in the near
   future. Religious fundamentalists have staged a coup in the United
   States, forming the Republic of Gilead. The new regime introduced
   an extreme patriarchal society, overturning many of the rights
   gained by women. There has been a dramatic reduction in births, so
   leaders of the regime are assigned "handmaids" if their wives are
   unable to have children. Before the coup, the narrator used to be
   an working woman with a husband and daughter. She was forcibly
   separated from her family, and assigned as a handmaid to a Commander
   in the regime. Her name was changed to "Offred", signifying her
   relationship to her master. She describes her daily life as a
   handmaid, which affords her some specific privileges, she has very
   few freedoms compared to her previous life. As long as she has the
   ability to conceive and stays out of trouble, she can at least
   avoid getting banished to work in the colonies and be branded an
   "unwoman".

   Dystopian novels can be heavy going, and not everyone's cup of tea.
   I seem to like reading cautionary tales like this one, which reminds
   us to be vigilant against the reactionary rhetoric of our political
   leaders.


   2. "Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9969571-ready-player-one>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Ready-Player-One/dp/0307887448>

   Thirty years in the future, the real world has become a bleak and
   rundown place. Mounting debts have weakened governments and
   corporations, making conditions difficult for ordinary people.
   Fortunately, the infrastructure of the information age has remained
   mostly intact. Children can get an education online, and it's
   usually safer to do so than in the real world. More generally,
   people can escape the drudgery of everyday life by logging into
   OASIS, a massively multiplayer online virtual reality environment.
   An added incentive is that the founder of OASIS, James Halliday,
   left some "Easter eggs" in the system, and whoever finds all of
   them will inherit his vast fortune. But this provides an opportunity
   for Halliday's bitter corporate rival, Innovative Online Industries
   (IOI), to send its own agents into the system and to try to usurp
   Halliday's business. Halliday was a child of the Eighties, so the
   egg hunters ("gunters") believe there are clues in cultural
   artifacts of that era. "Anorak's Almanac", an electronic book that
   compiles Halliday's interests, is the go-to guide for the gunters.

   This novel delves deeply into the computer games, music, movies and
   television of the 1980s. Readers unfamiliar with these nostalgic
   cultural references may find the story harder to follow and
   appreciate. Most of the action takes place in the virtual world, so
   in-game avatars can provide alternative insights into the real-life
   characters. Overall, I found this an enjoyable page turner.


   3. "Smarter Than You Think" by Clive Thompson
     <https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17707600-smarter-than-you-think>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Smarter-Than-You-Think/dp/0143125826>

   The author of this book challenges the view that over-reliance on
   technology is reducing our powers of thought and making us less
   intelligent. For example, tailored search results can lead to filter
   bubbles, where we are only present with information that confirms our
   biases. Easy access to search engines can lead us to rely less on our
   own memory. Multitasking and highly distracting social media can lead
   us to be "shallow". The author acknowledges that technology is not
   always positive. However, he argues that, when applied wisely, it can
   make us smarter. We can use technology as "outboard memory", freeing
   up our minds to concentrate on the actual problems at hand. Technology
   provides the ability to quickly search and cross-reference large
   collections of data. It facilitates increased collaboration across
   cultures and national boundaries. Computers can be used to do a lot
   of the low-level calculations necessary to work on complex problems.

   The use of technology has been an area of debate and controversy
   throughout history. For example, Socrates lamented that, compared to
   interactive conversation, books were an inferior medium to conduct
   intelligent debate. The author does a reasonable job of explaining
   how technology can take a load off our minds so we can work on big-
   picture problems. But we should remember that technology can make
   constant surveillance, creepy advertising and other invasions of
   privacy easier.

Micro-Reviews of Books Read, August 2014

   Reviews of books read last month: two novels and two non-fiction books
   on how our minds play tricks on us.


   1. "Tigerman" by Nick Harkaway
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19322249-tigerman>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Tigerman/dp/0385352417>

   Mancreu is a former island colony of Britain facing an environment
   catastrophe. The island is a formerly dormant volcano, which has
   started discharging toxic vapours. Black marketeers, drug pushers
   and other shady types are taking advantage of the island's remoteness
   and precarious state. Middle-aged Sergeant Lester Ferris has been
   appointed to look after British interests, with a brief to merely
   observe and report. The brutal murder of Shola, his friend and local
   businessman, spurs Lester to defy his orders to "sit tight". With the
   aid of a street-smart and comic-obsessed local boy, he decides to
   find out why Shola was killed. Inspired by the boy's love of comic
   book heroes, Lester even wears a costume and takes on a superhero
   identity, Tigerman. The boy makes clever use of the internet to
   spread the mystique of Tigerman around the world.

   As I've come to expect from this author, some clever things going on
   here. The villains and supporting characters spice things up. While
   I did find the story interesting, it didn't quite work as well for me
   as the author's earlier novels. Maybe comic fans would enjoy this
   book more?


   2. "Lexicon" by Max Barry
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16158596-lexicon>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Lexicon/dp/0143125427>

   In the near-future, almost the entire population of Broken Hill is
   wiped out by a mysterious incident. There are lots of conspiracy
   theories, but few people know what really happened. The lone survivor,
   Wil Parke, has been living in the US for a a couple of years. A secret
   society, who call themselves the Poets, has located him and want to
   interrogate him so they can find out what happened. The members of
   this society have learned how to use words as weapons. Certain words
   go beyond persuasion and can actually kill. Emily Ruff is also on the
   run from the Poets. She was one of the brightest alumni of the Poet
   training program, but she chose love over a career as a secret agent.

   This is another novel with some interesting ideas, but which didn't
   follow through in my opinion. If the writing style had included more
   humour, as in the style of Jasper Fforde or Douglas Adams, I may have
   been better able to suspend my disbelief. "The Rook" by another
   Australian author, Daniel O'Malley, did a better job of portraying a
   supernatural secret society.


   3. "You Are Now Less Dumb" by David McRaney
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16101143-you-are-now-less-dumb>
     <http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Now-Less-Dumb/dp/1592408796>

   The author continues his examination of cognitive biases and self-
   delusion. Research studies and historical anecdotes are used to
   describe psychological phenomena such as the halo effect (your
   overall impression of someone impacts your feelings and thoughts
   about that person), the Ben Franklin effect (doing a favour for a
   rival makes you like them more), why hard to change minds of others
   (the backfire effect), ego depletion (self-control and willpower can
   run down, leading to lapses), enclothed cognition (the clothes you
   wear affects how you think and act).

   A worthy follow-up book to "You Are Not So Smart". By accepting our
   susceptibility to biases and self-delusion, we can learn how to
   overcome them. If this subject matter interests you, check out the
   author's blog and podcasts at:
     <http://youarenotsosmart.com/all-posts/>


   4. "Mind Over Mind" by Chris Berdik
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13588409-mind-over-mind>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-Mind/dp/1591846579>

   Research shows how expectations, assumptions and predictions can
   play a large part in shaping what happens to us, both good and bad.
   The placebo effect was observed in medicine as early as WW2, when a
   shortage of morphine lead doctors to give some injured soldiers
   shots of saline instead. By making these patients believe their
   pain would subside, the onset of potentially fatal shock was
   prevented for many of them. There are various factors which
   determine whether or not placebos work. The book also looks at
   several other facets of life, including penalty kicks, wine tasting,
   phantom limbs, economic bubbles and gambling addiction. For example,
   being convinced that food is high in calories (when it actually
   isn't) can make our bodies respond as if we've eaten something
   fattening - in effect, food can have "placebo calories".

   I found this a very eye-opening and though-provoking book. By taking
   into account the importance of expectations, we can find new
   approaches to deal with problems and challenges. 

Micro-Reviews of Books Read, July 2014

   Reviews of books read last month: two short novels, two books on
   economics, and a book about the man who recovered the manuscript
   that allegedly launched the Renaissance.


   1. "Whatever" by Michel Houellebecq
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58372.Whatever>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Whatever/dp/1846687845>

   This short novel is set in the 1990s in France. The narrator is a 30
   year-old IT worker. He's single, and unhappy with both his job and
   life in general. He doesn't have a lot of nice things to say about
   his co-workers or his clients, either. Mid-way through the novel he
   confesses: "I don't like this world ... The society in which I live
   disgusts me; advertising sickens me; computers make me puke."
   Unfortunately, he does not seem to provide any alternatives.

   Described as "L'Etranger for the info generation", this is a book
   you'll either love or hate. I'm afraid I fall into the latter
   category. I had hoped it would at least provide a glimpse at what
   it's like to work in IT. Alas, no. It could really be about any
   clerical/office work, in any era.


   2. "Messenger" by Lois Lowry
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12930.Messenger>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Messenger/dp/0440239125>

   This is the third book in "The Giver" Quartet, which are all set in
   a post-apocalyptic future. This story picks up a few years after
   "Gathering Blue", and describes life in the Village where outcasts
   from other places have been welcomed and appear to thrive despite
   their disabilities. Unfortunately, this idyll is falling apart due
   to the greed, vanity and selfishness of some of the villagers. The
   central character, Matty, is now a teenager and acts as messenger
   between the Village and nearby towns. Until recently the living
   Forest allowed him free passage, but that seems to be changing.
   When the Villagers decide to close themselves off from everyone
   else, Matty decides to get her friend Kira to come to the Village
   to be reunited with her father before it's too late.

   The series is aimed at younger readers, and that probably made the
   plot a bit simple and predictable. But I still found it enjoyable.


   3. "The Swerve: How the Renaissance Began" by Stephen Greenblatt
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10954979-the-swerve>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Swerve/dp/0393343405>

   Poggio Bracciolini was an ex-Vatican official who became a successful
   book hunter in the 15th century. A colourful character, he served as
   an official for seven popes, eventually rising to the post of papal
   secretary. Mid-way through his career, power struggles in the papacy
   forced him into temporary exile. He embarked on a search for ancient
   manuscripts scattered in various remote monastery libraries around
   Europe. He is credited with recovering many classical Latin
   manuscripts. The author argues that one manuscript in particular,
   "De rerum natura" by Roman poet and philosopher Lucretius, was the
   key to the development of Humanism. Its rediscovery kick-started the
   Renaissance, and influenced French rationalism, the American Founding
   Fathers, and our modern world.

   I mostly enjoyed reading about the book hunters of the early
   Renaissance. Poggio comes across as a bit of an Indiana Jones type
   of guy. Unfortunately, the author's strong anti-religious sentiment
   somewhat distorts his argument. He focuses on the negatives without
   giving credit for the positive influence of the Church on art, for
   example. Other reviewers question the validity of the author's
   thesis, in light of the findings of other historians.


   4. "The Undercover Economist Strikes Back: How to Run - or Ruin -
       an Economy" by Tim Harford
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19311677-the-undercover-economist-strikes-back>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Undercover-Economist-Strikes-Back/dp/1594631409>

   This book looks at economics at the macro or national level. It is
   written in a conversational manner, answering questions from a typical
   person-in-the-street. It guides the reader through monetary policy
   (money and interest rates) and fiscal policy (taxes, spending and
   welfare). It examines effect of policies on unemployment, productivity
   and growth. These are heavy and complex topics, which the author
   manages to explain in an accessible way.

   This book should should appeal to anyone with an open mind and an
   interest in the various approaches to managing economies. It should
   also make readers wary of any politicians who claim to have a simple
   solution for a country's economic problems. The author has written
   other good books on economics, and recently released a series of
   short podcasts, "Pop-Up Ideas":
     <http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/thpop>


   5. "Think Like a Freak" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17331349-think-like-a-freak>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Freak/dp/0062218336>

   This is another book about economics, but with a focus on the micro
   level: how individuals make decisions in their everyday lives about
   things such as money, work, love, crime and education. This book
   expands on the themes of the authors' previous books, Freakonomics
   and SuperFreakonomics. Key ideas include making sure the right costs
   are considered (forget sunk costs but acknowledge opportunity costs),
   how to frame incentives, applying game theory, and accepting that
   it's okay to say "I don't know" or think like a child.

   The authors use entertaining case studies backed up by relevant
   research to provide advice on how to "think smarter about almost
   everything". Many of the topics have been covered in their
   Freakonomics podcast:
      <http://freakonomics.com/radio/>

Micro-Reviews of Books Read, June 2014

   Reviews of books read last month: two collections of short stories,
   two science fiction novels, a book about the impact of noise on
   history, and a book about creativity.


   1. "Into the War" by Italo Calvino
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/493434.L_entrata_in_guerra>

   This is a collection of three of the author's early short stories.
   The protagonists are mostly youths living in northern Italy during
   WW2, something the author experienced himself. There's building
   tension between supporters of the government and its war, and those
   who are less convinced. Either way, everyone tries to live their
   lives as best they can.

   These stories show many of the traits of Calvino's writing style
   that I've admired in his later, major works: clarity, humour and
   intelligence.


   2. "Solaris" by Stanislaw Lem
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/95558.Solaris>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Solaris/dp/0156027607>

   Kris Kelvin has just arrived at a space station in orbit around
   the planet Solaris. There are signs of an unusual intelligence in
   the planet's ocean, which has triggered much debate back on Earth
   in the decades since Solaris was discovered. But, instead of
   encountering the aliens directly, it appears that whatever life
   exists on the planet is choosing to "make contact" by making
   manifest the memories, dreams and fears of the visitors.

   This story gets quite philosophical and psychological at times
   about sentience and life. It's been made into movies, firstly by
   Tarkovsky in the USSR, and more recently by Hollywood. Not an
   easy book to read, but definitely thought-provoking.


   3. "More Tales of the Unexpected" by Roald Dahl
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/183381.More_Tales_Of_The_Unexpected>
     <http://www.amazon.com/More-Tales-Unexpected/dp/0140056068>

   While the author is mostly known for his novels aimed at children,
   he also wrote many short stories with a twist for older audiences.
   This collection is a bit uneven, but still delivers good
   entertainment value. If you haven't read them already, try the
   original "Tales of the Unexpected" collection first.


   4. "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12936.Gathering_Blue>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Gathering-Blue/dp/0547904142>

   This short novel is set in a post-apocalyptic future where technology
   is primitive. Kira is a crippled teenage girl with a talent for
   weaving and embroidery. Having already lost her father, her future
   becomes shaky when her mother dies. Everyone is struggling to survive,
   and there's not a lot of sentimentality in the village. Normally,
   those who can't fend for themselves are cast out. But Kira's talent
   saves her, and she is taken in by one of the village leaders. At her
   new home, she finds another adoptee, Thomas, a talented carver who
   also lost his parents. However, there is something sinister about
   their village leadership and its plans for Kira, Thomas and other
   talented orphans.

   This type of story seems popular these days (e.g. "The Hunger Games").
   The author's earlier novella, "The Giver", will be released as a movie
   this year.


   5. "Noise: A Human History of Sound and Listening" by David Hendy
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17213951-noise?>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Noise/dp/0062283073>

   This is a companion book to a BBC Radio 4 series about the history
   of sound and its importance to civilisation. It covers many aspects
   of sound and noise, from cave dwellers to the 21st century. The world
   is a noisy place, and the sounds of speech, music, machinery,
   weaponry, bells and nature can all touch, affect and even control us.
   According to the author: "In a very real sense, being within earshot
   of a sound was what made you a citizen or subject. With radio, the
   distances involved were dramatically transformed". Improved
   communications technology helps keep people in touch, but has a
   downside of making the spread of propaganda easier.


   6. "Creativity, Inc." by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18077903-creativity-inc>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Creativity-Inc/dp/0812993012>

   Written by a founder and executive of Pixar Animation (one of Steve
   Jobs's other tech startups), this book provides advice on how to
   foster creativity in the workplace. Catmull draws on his somewhat
   accidental 30 year career as an animation studio chief executive.
   In the conclusion he argues: "Unleashing creativity requires that
   we loosen the controls, accept risk, trust our colleagues, work to
   clear the path for them, and pay attention to anything that creates
   fear. Doing all these things won't necessarily make the job of
   managing a creative culture easier. But ease isn't the goal;
   excellence is."

   This is not the typical business book, and much of the advice extends
   to anyone who wants to work in a creative environment. In a touching
   afterword, he provides a personal view of the Steve Jobs he knew and
   worked with for three decades.

Micro-Reviews of Books Read, May 2014

   Reviews of books read last month: a spy novel, two collections of
   short stories, and an unofficial biography of Apple's lead designer.


   1. "The Secret Agent" by Joseph Conrad
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/86658.The_Secret_Agent>
     <http://www.amazon.com/The-Secret-Agent/dp/0141441585>

   This novel was written in the early 20th century. Verloc is a French
   emigre runs a little shop/newsagency with his wife. The shop seems to
   be a front for selling dubious material. Verloc has delusions of being
   a revolutionary, and associates with anarchists and foreign officials.
   So far, his activities have been mostly harmless, such as spreading
   propaganda through his shop. But his handler at the foreign embassy
   demands more than just talk to justify his retainer: blow up the
   Greenwich Observatory. Unfortunately, things don't go quite to plan,
   resulting in the accidental death of Verloc's mentally retarded
   brother-in-law. It doesn't take long for Chief Inspector Heat to
   suspect Verloc.

   This was a short novel, but I found it overly verbose at times. The
   plot was interesting, but the characters were too dark and unlikeable.
   It wasn't until the last few chapters that the story started to grab
   me - too late. Generally, I've been underwhelmed by Conrad's writing.
   My disappointment with this book could be that it suffered in
   comparison with G. K. Chesterton's "The Man Who Was Thursday", which
   has similar settings and themes, but was much more enjoyable.


   2. "Armageddon in Retrospect" by Kurt Vonnegut
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2024223.Armageddon_in_Retrospect>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Armageddon-Retrospect/dp/0425226891>

   This is a collection of short stories and other writings, released
   posthumously. They all share the themes of war and peace. The author
   was himself a prisoner of the Germans in WW2, and was in Dresden when
   the allies firebombed the city into the Stone Age. This experience
   obviously left a mark on the young American (with a German name), as
   most of his work contains strong anti-war sentiments.

   This collection of stories, while inconsistent in quality, does have a
   few gems. And the author's trademark satire and humour helped keep my
   interest. Perhaps a better introduction to the author's work is his
   breakthrough novel, "Slaughterhouse-Five".


   3. "Strange Pilgrims" by Gabriel García Márquez
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22175.Strange_Pilgrims>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Strange-Pilgrims/dp/1400034698>

   This is a collection of short stories on the theme of Latin Americans
   who find themselves in Europe: an ex-President in exile visiting a
   Swiss hospital for an operation and being preyed upon by fellow
   migrants, children on vacation in Sicily with their parents and being
   looked after by a strange young German governess, and a Colombian man
   who travels to Rome in the hope of having his sister declared a saint.
   For me, the most memorable story was about a young woman, Maria, whose
   car broke down outside Barcelona. No one stops to help her, except for
   a bus driver, who lets her come on board. She just wants to be taken
   somewhere so she can call her husband to let him know she'll be late.
   As it happens, the bus is taking its passengers to a sanatorium. The
   staff assume she is also a new inmate, so she finds herself admitted.

   This collection was a bit uneven, but the author's trademark style
   still shines through. It's a pretty good introduction to his work,
   if you're not yet willing to tackle his classic novels.


   4. "Jony Ive" by Leander Kahney
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17707768-jony-ive>
     <http://www.amazon.com/Jony-Ive/dp/159184617X>

   This is an unofficial biography of the head of Apple's design team,
   Jony Ive. Born and educated in England, Ive had already established a
   reputation for inspired and groundbreaking designs before moving to
   the US. But it is at Apple where he made a name for himself, helping
   develop a string of hit products: iMacs, iPods, iPhones and iPads.
   He's generally described as mild-mannered and humble, but also
   obsessed with craftsmanship and willing to stand by his principles.
   The book also provides interesting insights into Apple's design
   processes. A hallmark of the second Steve Jobs era as Apple CEO was
   a shift in emphasis from design as an afterthought to the idea of
   design and technical implementation going hand-in-hand to provide
   simple and harmonious products. People can argue about the merits of
   Apple's approach, but it does seem to be working. While the author
   likes playing up the role of his fellow Englishman, reading this book
   gives me the sense that Apple's success is the result of a talented
   team of several highly motivated people. The book also suggests
   Apple's obsession with perfection stops it from releasing concept
   products. In contrast, I would argue, that companies such as Google
   and Microsoft try to bolster their image with publicity stunts (e.g.
   Google Glass, Nexus Q and self-driving cars).

   The author based the book on interviews with many of Ive's former
   colleagues, as well as other information in the public domain. While
   the author has met with Ive, these were chance meetings. Hopefully,
   we will someday be able to read official biographies of Ive and his
   current colleagues. Until then, this book will have to do and readers
   will need to take the contents with a grain of salt.

Micro-Reviews of Books Read, April 2014

   Reviews of books read last month: three great short novels by renowned
   authors, a book advocating working away from traditional offices, and
   a book about the development of the Italian language.


   1. "Rosshalde" by Herman Hesse
     <http://www.amazon.com/Rosshalde/dp/0312422296>
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10064.Rosshalde>

   Johann Veraguth is a successful painter who lives in a country manor
   (Rosshalde) with his wife and young son, Pierre. Another much older
   son, Albert, is away at boarding school. Their marriage has been
   loveless for a while, to the extent that Johann and his wife spend
   most of their days in different parts of the estate. Young Pierre is
   caught in the middle as the parents compete for his affection.
   Johann's latest painting bluntly portrays the household situation:
   Pierre in the centre, "tranquilly happy and without suspicion of the
   cloud hanging over him", flanked by the parents sitting "in rigid
   symmetry, severe sorrowful images of loneliness". After a brief visit
   by a longtime friend, Johann decides he should accept an invitation
   to take a spiritual adventure in India. He hopes this would at least
   reduce the tension at Rosshalde. Before he can leave, tragedy
   strikes, which temporarily brings unity to the family.

   This is not an uplifting story, but it is thought-provoking and
   poignant. I've read and enjoyed most of the author's other novels,
   and found this one rewarding as well.


   2. "The Quiet American" by Graham Greene
     <http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-American/dp/0143039024>
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3698.The_Quiet_American>

   This novel is set in the early 1950s in Vietnam. The narrator,
   Thomas Fowler, is an English journalist covering the war between
   the colonial French and the Viet Cong. He's escaping a failing
   marriage, and has taken up a local girl, Phuong, as his lover.
   This arrangement is soon complicated when a young American, Alden
   Pyle, starts working at the so-called "American Economic Mission".
   Pyle meets Phuong, whose sister works at the mission, and falls
   for her. He bluntly but politely makes it clear to Fowler that
   he intends to marry her. Soon we discover that Pyle is a supporter
   of some rather naive foreign policy ideals. He is involved in some
   intrigue, conspiring with a "Third Force" to break the deadlock
   in the colonial war. Fowler becomes suspicious of Pyle's real
   agenda in Vietnam, and wouldn't be too upset if his rival came
   to a sticky end. The love triangle gets complicated when Pyle
   risks his own life to save Fowler after a Viet Cong attack. Pyle
   argues he wouldn't want to win the battle for Phuong's affection
   by default. This creates an unusual bond between the two men.

   Prescient at times, this controversial novel depicts the tense
   and complex political situation in Vietnam at the time. I also
   found the description of various cultural and religious traditions
   in Vietnam interesting.


   3. "Leaf Storm" by Gabriel García Márquez
     <http://www.amazon.com/Leaf-Storm/dp/B00HVPSXT2>
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3038606-leaf-storm>

   This novel is set in the early 20th century in a fictional Colombian
   town of Macondo. The story is told from the viewpoints of three
   different narrators: the "Colonel", his daughter Isabel, and her son.
   This regular change in narrator, along with the use of several
   flashbacks, can make the story difficult to follow. The main story
   revolves around a mysterious retired French doctor who came to live
   in the town. His actions over the years made him universally reviled
   by the rest of the citizens of Macondo. He rented a room in the
   Colonel's house and soon started an affair with the indigenous maid.
   When she got pregnant, he performed an abortion secretly. He moved
   into another house with her where they "lived in sin". When the
   doctor refused to treat wounded soldiers, the townspeople would've
   had him lynched had the Colonel not intervened. Years later, when
   the doctor commits suicide, the Colonel stands up for him, taking
   responsibility for his burial. The impending funeral is the focal
   point of the three narrators: they are the only people from Macondo
   in attendance. The Colonel in particular feels duty-bound to pay his
   respects, in light of a key event from their past.

   The author, one of the giants of Latin American literature, passed
   away recently. Credited with popularising magical realism, he was
   awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. I've read and recommend two
   of his other classic novels: "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and
   "Love in the Time of Cholera". By the way, the story's title is a
   metaphor for how the banana company came to Macondo, bringing
   temporary prosperity, only to depart a few years later, leaving its
   discarded trash behind. Perhaps the the leaf storm metaphor also
   applies to the doctor's stay in Macondo?


   4. "Remote: Office Not Required" by Jason Fried and
       David Heinemeier Hansson
     <http://www.amazon.com/Remote/dp/0804137501>
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17316682-remote>

   The goal of this book is to promote the benefits of allowing workers
   to work off-site. It addresses the major complaints and arguments
   that are often used against allowing remote workers. The authors are
   two founders of a successful web development company, 37signals. They
   practice what they preach: the head office is in Chicago, the main
   developer lives and works in Denmark, and several other staff live
   and work in other parts of the US and the world. Modern technology
   can help collaboration: email, instant messaging, teleconferencing,
   file sharing services, web-based project management tools. They argue
   that traditional work environments and practices, including cubicles,
   open plans, desk phones and status meetings, actually reduce
   productivity. Remote workers can avoid unnecessary interruptions and
   focus on their work. It has some advice dealing with feelings of
   isolation, which is a problem when working away from clients and
   colleagues.

   Overall, this book presents a good case for allowing employees to
   work remotely. Personally, I've had the opportunity to work off-
   site, and agree that most times this is very effective for the
   type of work I do. However, I can see how more extroverted or
   socially-oriented managers and employees would not be as
   comfortable with remote work.


   5. "La Bella Lingua" by Dianne Hales
     <http://www.amazon.com/La-Bella-Lingua/dp/0767927702>
     <http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4951923-la-bella-lingua>

   The author is an American journalist who decided to learn Italian,
   and began what she calls her love affair with the language and
   Italian culture. This book looks at the historical development of
   the Italian language, which started out as a localised Tuscan
   dialect of Latin. She examines the language's founding trio of
   literary titans: Dante, Boccaccio and Petrarch. These writers
   bucked the convention of the 14th century, preferring to write
   their major works in the vernacular rather than the official Latin.
   This entertaining book also looks at other influential aspects of
   the Italian language: Renaissance artists, baroque and classical
   musicians, Italian unification and culinary chroniclers of the
   1800s, through to 20th century cinema.

   This book should appeal to anyone interested in Italian history,
   culture and the development of language. The writing style is light
   and highly readable. There's even an amusing chapter on "irreverent
   Italian", covering insults and swearing.