Visit Scott (Scoop) Butki's column >>

SCOTT (SCOOP) BUTKIHome Page

A cynical idealist; To Read Me Is to Know Me (Mostly)
Add To Watchlist
Articles Posted: 1169; Links Seeded: 7535
Member Since: 2/2007Last Seen: 11/23/2009

Will You Take the Newsvine 2008 Reading Challenge?

advertisement

addendum: Maybe, as one noted below, the reason I'm not getting more people is because
50 is too many. So this year I'll lower the challenge to 25. If you do 50 I'll give you some special prize
but I imagine 25 is more doable.

About six months ago I asked if there was interest in a challenge to Newsviners to read at least 50 books and/or watch 50 movies. I went ahead and set up topics to do exactly that.

There was a lot of initial interest but few actually participated. So I'm going to give this another shot and if, as happened before, only two or three of us were posting what we were reading and watching and – more important to us as a community – reviews (clipped to the Review Café) – then I'll just give up on the idea.

If, though, you like this idea and want to participate please indicate with a comment below.

One possible confusion before was that we were starting it on the fiscal year (July) as opposed to January 1.

This will be the third year that I'm shooting to read between 50 and 100 books. I'm currently at 73. I'll probably write up a top ten books of the year list in the next few week too. My picks for the first half of the year are here.

I also try to see 50 movies a year. I count one season of a tv series (for example I've been watching season 2 of Buffy) as one movie. I am currently at 46 but need to write up reviews of a few recently viewed movies before the year ends.

  • 25 Votes
  • Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.

Back To Top

What's this?
Who's leading the conversation?
This visualization below allows you to see the impact that each user has on the current conversation. The top row contains the group of users who have had the most impact, the 2nd row the group of users who have had the 2nd most impact (et cetera). Users with similar impact are grouped together, and the average score of the group is shown to the left of the group. The author of the article is also shown on the left, in their corresponding group. Each user's score is based on the number of comments the user has made plus the number of votes their comments have received. The scores are calculated relative one another, so while their absolute value is not particularly important, their relative difference does indicate a larger difference in impact on the conversation.
45
8.1
2.6
Jump to discussion page: 1 2
{"commentId":1237250,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

The idea here is not "who can read the most?" or "who can see the most movies?" so much as motivating more of us to share what we are reading and watching. I LOVE reading reviews by other people and comparing their opinions of a work to my own. Or, better yet, reading about something and deciding to check it out.

So... Who's in?

Oh and the movie challenge.. I'll type that up shortly.

One disclaimer:

I count listening to an unabridged book as one book provided you write up your required review. Abridged ones don't count.

I've raised the question before on whether people consider listening to audiobooks as reading and there's no clear consensus. Similarly I've polled a bunch of authors on the topic and while I've not had a chance - won't for a few weeks until classes end - to write up my findings the authors do say they would rather someone listen to a book (if they don't have the time or focus level to read it) than not at all.

Reading and listening are indeed different but I know that some can't focus as well on reading versus listening and/or spend more time in a car seat than they do in a seat at home to read.

Personally I try to always make a point when writing a review to note when the book was listened to versus read.

{"commentId":1237250,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#1 - Mon Dec 3, 2007 11:01 AM EST
{"commentId":1237604,"authorDomain":"onlynow99"}

I'd argue that audio books are the same as reading, even though we get the informaton in a different form.

I'm not up to the challenge, but am certainly always interested in book recommendations. I probably read about 40 books or so a year and that's about my limit at this time of my life.

Audio book just listened to: Day of the Dead by JA Jance

Reading Aloud for the Talking Library: The Quest by Wilbur Smith

Reading at home: The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett and a book about shamanism and art that I can't remember the title of.

{"commentId":1237604,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"onlynow99"}
  • 2 votes
#1.1 - Mon Dec 3, 2007 12:54 PM EST
{"commentId":1237613,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

It's fine to sit it out. Or shoot for 50 and if you get 39 or more I'll applaud and bow.

{"commentId":1237613,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
  • 1 vote
#1.2 - Mon Dec 3, 2007 12:57 PM EST
Reply
{"commentId":1237588,"authorDomain":"JoTigerlily"}

Well, I have a history of diving into things like this and then fizzling out. But I do like to read, and we are reading a number of books through our home schooling endeavors, so I think I would like to try. I tend to read a lot of interesting historical (fiction and non-fiction) books, with some others written for young adults, etc., sprinkled in.

I have no idea how many books I typically read in a year, so this might be a good way to try to document that. Do we have to wait until Jan. 1 to begin? We are in the middle of some interesting (to me) reads right now. :)

{"commentId":1237588,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"JoTigerlily"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#2 - Mon Dec 3, 2007 12:48 PM EST
{"commentId":1237623,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}
we have to wait until Jan. 1 to begin? We are in the middle of some interesting (to me) reads right now. :)

Great question.

I'm not a stickler for rules so here's what I'm going to say. You can count stuff you're reading this month but let's wait until Jan. 1 to start posting the reviews. That may mean that on Jan. 2 you'll announce you've read 10 books already this year and we'll all be appropriately impressed (even though I'll know you cheated.)
But seriously, yes you can use stuff from this month.

The more participants the better, as far as I'm concerned.

{"commentId":1237623,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
  • 2 votes
#2.1 - Mon Dec 3, 2007 1:01 PM EST
Reply
{"commentId":1237651,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Oh and the movie challenge is here

{"commentId":1237651,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
  • 1 vote
Reply#3 - Mon Dec 3, 2007 1:09 PM EST
{"commentId":1239670,"authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}

I'm not sure if I can do that many books in a year, but I'm more than willing to try. :D

{"commentId":1239670,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#4 - Tue Dec 4, 2007 3:28 AM EST
{"commentId":1240197,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Great. Go for it. And I think you owe me an email - I wanted to make sure I was about to mail you the right book.

{"commentId":1240197,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
  • 2 votes
#4.1 - Tue Dec 4, 2007 10:02 AM EST
{"commentId":1241116,"authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}

I would, but now I can't find your reviewing piece where I mentioned it. :|

{"commentId":1241116,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}
  • 1 vote
#4.2 - Tue Dec 4, 2007 2:47 PM EST
{"commentId":1254235,"authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}

So, does this start at the beginning of next year?

{"commentId":1254235,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}
  • 2 votes
#4.3 - Sun Dec 9, 2007 1:01 AM EST
{"commentId":1254757,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Read comment 2.1 please.

{"commentId":1254757,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
  • 2 votes
#4.4 - Sun Dec 9, 2007 10:43 AM EST
{"commentId":1255507,"authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}

Ah. I did not see that part. I'll probably finish all the books I have on me right now after then anyway, so I'll do that. :D

{"commentId":1255507,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"darkknightjrk"}
  • 2 votes
#4.5 - Sun Dec 9, 2007 5:25 PM EST
Reply
{"commentId":1259227,"authorDomain":"Lulu124"}

I'm in.

I aim for 1 book a week. Reality is about 3 books per month. I read everything -- novels thrillers history bio etc.

My serendipity is finding new authors with wonderful book covers. My latest is "The Sound of Butterflies".

Do we just do an article for the review?

{"commentId":1259227,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"Lulu124"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#5 - Tue Dec 11, 2007 3:40 AM EST
{"commentId":1263373,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Yes or if you are very concise you can do one article with multiple reviews.

Glad you've joined us, lulu.

{"commentId":1263373,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
  • 2 votes
#5.1 - Wed Dec 12, 2007 2:41 PM EST
Reply
{"commentId":1301030,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}
Scott (Scoop) ButkiDeleted
{"commentId":1321847,"authorDomain":"fromyview"}

As a parent and self-employed photographer, 50 books is a lot for me, but I like the challenge. I really think you would get more participants if you lowered the number to say 25. But thanks for starting this.

{"commentId":1321847,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"fromyview"}
  • 4 votes
Reply#7 - Wed Jan 2, 2008 3:36 PM EST
{"commentId":1322678,"authorDomain":"fromyview"}

Maybe someone can create a Reader Challenge Logo that we can post on our Newsvine page?

{"commentId":1322678,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"fromyview"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#8 - Wed Jan 2, 2008 8:20 PM EST
{"commentId":1325054,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

I have no idea how to do that but it's an interesting idea.

{"commentId":1325054,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
  • 2 votes
#8.1 - Thu Jan 3, 2008 2:38 PM EST
{"commentId":1325385,"authorDomain":"fromyview"}

Yeah, me neither. But I think it would have to be some type of widget? Can graphic be placed on your Newsvine home page? If so, then it would be a matter of a link to a graphic file.

{"commentId":1325385,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"fromyview"}
  • 1 vote
#8.2 - Thu Jan 3, 2008 4:01 PM EST
{"commentId":2147576,"authorDomain":"umadoshi"}

Well, I will give the logo a shot! There is no hurry is there?

{"commentId":2147576,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"umadoshi"}
  • 1 vote
#8.3 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 1:32 AM EDT
{"commentId":2147679,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

consdering i forgot i asked for one, no.

{"commentId":2147679,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
  • 1 vote
#8.4 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 2:13 AM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":1325062,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Please note the addendum I just added- I lowered the bar.

{"commentId":1325062,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
  • 1 vote
Reply#9 - Thu Jan 3, 2008 2:42 PM EST
{"commentId":1334751,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}
{"commentId":1334751,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#10 - Sun Jan 6, 2008 1:32 PM EST
{"commentId":1334929,"authorDomain":"fromyview"}

Scott, do you think it would good idea to start a separate group specifically for this challenge? That might bring the challenge a little more focus and give you an idea of which members are participating. Plus, I think that throughout the year we can continue to have similar threads as this to help pump up the challenge. Glad you lowered the number of books. I think it will help. I could easily read 50 light weight novels, but I tend to read non-fiction which takes a little longer.

{"commentId":1334929,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"fromyview"}
  • 1 vote
Reply#11 - Sun Jan 6, 2008 2:37 PM EST
{"commentId":1335425,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Rather than start another group - since joining I've started the groups personal narrative, fiction-writing, hate-watch and at least 3 to 5 others - I think it would be better if we did the Newsvine Reading and Movie Challenges under the umbrella of another group I started, The Review Cafe, which was designed as a place for us to post reviews of books, movies, etc.

How's that sound? As for how many are participating the idea is for people to check in periodically.

{"commentId":1335425,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
  • 2 votes
#11.1 - Sun Jan 6, 2008 5:26 PM EST
{"commentId":1335436,"authorDomain":"fromyview"}

Cool. I'm signing up for the The Review Cafe then.

{"commentId":1335436,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"fromyview"}
  • 1 vote
#11.2 - Sun Jan 6, 2008 5:29 PM EST
{"commentId":1335621,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Great.

{"commentId":1335621,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
    #11.3 - Sun Jan 6, 2008 6:22 PM EST
    Reply
    {"commentId":1339863,"authorDomain":"NewsFlake"}

    Hi all, I'd like to take the challenge too... I have already knocked off two books this year so I am looking forward to shooting for 50! God loves a procrastinator...

    {"commentId":1339863,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"NewsFlake"}
      Reply#12 - Mon Jan 7, 2008 9:55 PM EST
      {"commentId":1341963,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

      Great. Welcome. Sounds good.

      {"commentId":1341963,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
        #12.1 - Tue Jan 8, 2008 1:55 PM EST
        Reply
        {"commentId":1341525,"authorDomain":"Arcturas"}

        I'll bite, I watch way to many movies and read far to much :)

        {"commentId":1341525,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"Arcturas"}
        • 1 vote
        Reply#13 - Tue Jan 8, 2008 11:50 AM EST
        {"commentId":1341968,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

        Oh, there's no such thing as reading far too much unless you're doing it instead of,
        say, sleeping or, sleeping with your significant other or something that important.

        {"commentId":1341968,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
        • 1 vote
        #13.1 - Tue Jan 8, 2008 1:57 PM EST
        {"commentId":2145308,"authorDomain":"TomJoad"}

        *laughing*

        Well, then...according to that definition, I'm on the Vine entirely too much...*blushes*

        Being a guy, I of course don't let it get in the way of THAT, but I can be found on the computer at 2 am surfing the 'Net, and reading. My wife curses the internet constantly.

        {"commentId":2145308,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"TomJoad"}
        • 2 votes
        #13.2 - Tue Jul 8, 2008 6:37 PM EDT
        {"commentId":2147472,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

        Just remind her it's not porn and tell her she should be thankful you're into words, not dirty pictures.

        {"commentId":2147472,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
          #13.3 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 1:08 AM EDT
          Reply
          {"commentId":1342991,"authorDomain":"JoTigerlily"}

          Scott, one further question (for now). Do you want us to post a comment somewhere as we publish our book reviews, or just publish it to the Review Cafe?

          {"commentId":1342991,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"JoTigerlily"}
          • 1 vote
          Reply#14 - Tue Jan 8, 2008 7:24 PM EST
          {"commentId":1349210,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

          Post a comment here linking to to whereever you post it. Thanks.

          {"commentId":1349210,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
            #14.1 - Thu Jan 10, 2008 1:26 PM EST
            Reply
            {"commentId":1349926,"authorDomain":"NewsFlake"}

            I have two reviews (this is also the sum total of my personal contribution to newsvine so thanks for the excuse to actually write something!)...

            JPod and My Name is Judas.

            {"commentId":1349926,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"NewsFlake"}
            • 1 vote
            Reply#15 - Thu Jan 10, 2008 4:49 PM EST
            {"commentId":1349949,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

            I'll check them out. Thanks for the links.

            {"commentId":1349949,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
            • 1 vote
            #15.1 - Thu Jan 10, 2008 4:54 PM EST
            Reply
            {"commentId":1350520,"authorDomain":"mmhuffaker"}

            This is a great thing! I'm going to try and see what I can do. Thanks for doing this.

            {"commentId":1350520,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"mmhuffaker"}
            • 1 vote
            Reply#16 - Thu Jan 10, 2008 8:09 PM EST
            {"commentId":1351178,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

            You're quite welcome. I think the more people reading books, the better - whether we're talking kids or adults.

            {"commentId":1351178,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
            • 1 vote
            #16.1 - Fri Jan 11, 2008 12:26 AM EST
            {"commentId":1351293,"authorDomain":"mmhuffaker"}

            Um, does everyone think I'm a kid? Granted, my screen name was my childhood nickname...

            {"commentId":1351293,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"mmhuffaker"}
            • 1 vote
            #16.2 - Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:41 AM EST
            {"commentId":1351945,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

            No, that was a reference to me working a lot with kids via education, special education, church, etc, and how everyone here is an adult (except Noah).

            Sorry about that

            {"commentId":1351945,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
              #16.3 - Fri Jan 11, 2008 9:52 AM EST
              {"commentId":1352021,"authorDomain":"mmhuffaker"}

              phew! thanks for the clarification. that's great work you're doing!

              {"commentId":1352021,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"mmhuffaker"}
              • 1 vote
              #16.4 - Fri Jan 11, 2008 10:12 AM EST
              {"commentId":1356147,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

              Thanks.

              {"commentId":1356147,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                #16.5 - Sat Jan 12, 2008 2:44 PM EST
                Reply
                {"commentId":1352009,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                {"commentId":1352009,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                • 1 vote
                Reply#17 - Fri Jan 11, 2008 10:08 AM EST
                {"commentId":1414265,"authorDomain":"jfrank"}

                Will graphic novels count as books?

                {"commentId":1414265,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"jfrank"}
                • 3 votes
                Reply#18 - Tue Jan 29, 2008 2:22 PM EST
                {"commentId":1416568,"authorDomain":"lillilee"}
                lillileeDeleted
                {"commentId":1418178,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

                If it has more than 100 pages of text (and not just like 10 words per page) then I'll count that as a book.

                {"commentId":1418178,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                • 2 votes
                #18.2 - Wed Jan 30, 2008 2:10 PM EST
                Reply
                {"commentId":1632412,"authorDomain":"sushicat"}

                Include me in your challenge as well. I don't know if I'll get to that 25 (do journals count?) but I will try.

                {"commentId":1632412,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sushicat"}
                  Reply#19 - Fri Mar 28, 2008 11:03 PM EDT
                  {"commentId":1632563,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

                  How big or long is the journal?

                  {"commentId":1632563,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                    #19.1 - Fri Mar 28, 2008 11:54 PM EDT
                    {"commentId":1633770,"authorDomain":"sushicat"}

                    Scott, just say they don't count, not really fun reading. But I was thinking to day that I can revisit my old favorite novels that are in boxes and besides i need to read.

                    {"commentId":1633770,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sushicat"}
                    • 1 vote
                    #19.2 - Sat Mar 29, 2008 11:56 AM EDT
                    {"commentId":1635706,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

                    Novels are preferred to journals - wasn't sure what kind of journals you meant.

                    {"commentId":1635706,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                      #19.3 - Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:21 AM EDT
                      Reply
                      {"commentId":1636920,"authorDomain":"sushicat"}

                      Scott, My first choice and I think half of them will be rereading old friends,my favorite, that I used to read at least once a year growing up is The Yearling," by Rawlings. Thanks for reminding me.

                      {"commentId":1636920,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sushicat"}
                        Reply#20 - Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:52 PM EDT
                        {"commentId":1816352,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                        Scott (Scoop) ButkiDeleted
                        {"commentId":2018419,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

                        How's this going? I'm going to try to get organized and post an updated list of my book
                        and movie reviews/interviews/general consumption in the next week or so. I'm planning on writing up today while at work a list of movies I've seen thus far in 2008 and will post that around Monday.

                        {"commentId":2018419,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                          Reply#22 - Sat Jun 21, 2008 1:05 PM EDT
                          {"commentId":2137551,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                          Scott (Scoop) ButkiDeleted
                          {"commentId":2143830,"authorDomain":"Andimia"}

                          I just read Animal Farm by George Orwell last night (it's a quick read) and numerous SciFi/Fantasy novels since the beginning of the year. I'm still working on finishing Fair Game by Valerie Plame Wilson but with pages of it blacked out it's really hard to stay interested.

                          {"commentId":2143830,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"Andimia"}
                          • 1 vote
                          Reply#24 - Tue Jul 8, 2008 3:44 PM EDT
                          {"commentId":2151927,"authorDomain":"Andimia"}

                          I LOVE Animal Farm. I think I reference that book at least once a day around here.

                          I have a copy of Valerie's book - or I did (received that unsolicited too) but I think I asked someone to read and review it.

                          I'm curious how they handle the blacked out bits on the audioversion of the book.

                          I wish that more high schools would include the works of George Orwell because he was so in tune to how corruption in politics work. This is the type of awareness that the next generations need to have.

                          Not sure about the audio book. That would be difficult.

                          {"commentId":2151927,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"Andimia"}
                          • 1 vote
                          #24.1 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 3:17 PM EDT
                          {"commentId":2151989,"authorDomain":"Andimia"}

                          I just started The Memory of Earth, by Orson Scott Card last night. it's pretty good, i have about 50 pages left. It's amazing how much reading you can get done when you unplug your TV.

                          {"commentId":2151989,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"Andimia"}
                          • 1 vote
                          #24.2 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 3:24 PM EDT
                          {"commentId":2152180,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                          It's amazing how much reading you can get done when you unplug your TV.

                          Wait, you can unplug that thing?

                          {"commentId":2152180,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                            #24.3 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 3:43 PM EDT
                            Reply
                            {"commentId":2145436,"authorDomain":"vikibabbles"}

                            I read Chelsea Handler's Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea (of course). She's funny, but the book wasn't as funny as I'd expected. I mean, hell, I'm funnier. Where's my book deal?

                            I'm in the middle of David Sedaris' latest, and loving it. He is my idol.

                            {"commentId":2145436,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"vikibabbles"}
                            • 3 votes
                            Reply#25 - Tue Jul 8, 2008 6:56 PM EDT
                            {"commentId":2147486,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

                            viki, I almost emailed you to ask if you wanted that book. They sent it to me unsolicited. Can you write up a review of it?

                            I'm not familiar with Chelsea unless she's that smart ass with a tv show?

                            {"commentId":2147486,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                            • 1 vote
                            #25.1 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 1:11 AM EDT
                            {"commentId":2147530,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

                            I LOVE Animal Farm. I think I reference that book at least once a day around here.

                            I have a copy of Valerie's book - or I did (received that unsolicited too) but I think I asked someone to read and review it.

                            I'm curious how they handle the blacked out bits on the audioversion of the book.

                            {"commentId":2147530,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                              #25.2 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 1:22 AM EDT
                              {"commentId":2148500,"authorDomain":"vikibabbles"}

                              Yeah, she's that smart ass with a TV show.

                              I'll write up a review when I get a few spare minutes.

                              As far as your second comment, I'm going to assume you misplaced it, because I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about. ;)

                              {"commentId":2148500,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"vikibabbles"}
                              • 3 votes
                              #25.3 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 8:55 AM EDT
                              {"commentId":2148809,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

                              The second comment was for Andimia.

                              Ah, I HAVE seen said smart-ass. I'll look forward to reading your review. I'd be curious which is more funny, her book or her show.

                              One thing I really liked about the Daily Show's book but is that it was just as funny and weird (jn a good way) as the show. This was less true with Colbert's book.

                              I mention that since her show sounded like a snarky attempt to cross the humor of the Daily Show with topics from Access Hollywood.

                              {"commentId":2148809,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                              • 1 vote
                              #25.4 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 9:45 AM EDT
                              {"commentId":2165017,"authorDomain":"TomJoad"}

                              I've read excerpts from Colbert's book, and wasn't sure what to make of the whole thing. I really wish Colbert would be just a little more serious about some things, as he's so intelligent. He actually did a guest spot on the O'Reilly show, where O'Reilly tried to fluster him...*snorts*...O'Reilly got SCHOOLED. Look for it on YouTube.

                              Stewart used to be a little easier to take serious, also. Do you think he's become a bit jaded lately? I know when he went on Crossfire (YouTube again), that he was most impressive. He's obviously extremely intelligent, and I think he cares, as well.

                              {"commentId":2165017,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"TomJoad"}
                              • 3 votes
                              #25.5 - Fri Jul 11, 2008 3:24 AM EDT
                              {"commentId":2167692,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

                              more serious about some things, as he's so intelligent. He actually did a guest spot on the O'Reilly show, where O'Reilly tried to fluster him...*snorts*...O'Reilly got SCHOOLED. Look for it on YouTube.

                              Stewart used to be a little easier to take serious, also. Do you think he's become a bit jaded lately? I know when he went on Crossfire (YouTube again), that he was most impressive. He's obviously extremely intelligent, and I think he cares, as well.

                              I think both guys are pretty smart and it shows the most in the interviews. Stewart's interviews early on were pretty weak but these days both Colbert and Stewart won't take bull from their guests and that's when their knowledge shows. Supposedly Stewart's known for continuing interviews, even or especially contentious ones, even after the cameras go off.

                              Colbert's book contains his silly side but not much in the way of original thought.

                              I don't think Stewart is any more jaded than anyone else who follows the news carefully. Put it this way I've found the best place to read the New York Times is at a bar because at least then, after a few rum and cokes (hold the coke), the news starts to make more sense.

                              {"commentId":2167692,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                                #25.6 - Fri Jul 11, 2008 1:53 PM EDT
                                Reply
                                {"commentId":2147589,"authorDomain":"umadoshi"}

                                Ok, good... I have too many books that I am gonna read anyway, so 25 minimum sounds like a plan. Will get on it right away!!

                                Thanks for these, they really are great.

                                {"commentId":2147589,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"umadoshi"}
                                  Reply#26 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 1:37 AM EDT
                                  {"commentId":2147687,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

                                  You are quite welcome.

                                  {"commentId":2147687,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                                    #26.1 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 2:16 AM EDT
                                    Reply
                                    {"commentId":2147706,"authorDomain":"TomJoad"}

                                    The contest sounds rather interesting, but I don't know if I'll be able to fit them in, what with work and school...we'll see.

                                    {"commentId":2147706,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"TomJoad"}
                                    • 1 vote
                                    Reply#27 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 2:26 AM EDT
                                    {"commentId":2148830,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                                    The contest sounds rather interesting, but I don't know if I'll be able to fit them in, what with work and school...we'll see.

                                    Just do your best. What classes are you taking? Maybe I'll let you count some of your school books. Remember that you don't need to do a full review.

                                    I put up Monday nite my movie challenge results so far and that should give you an idea of how you can do this.

                                    But of course this is all voluntary and if you must choose between reading and writing something for me or Newsviner versus, say, work, a family or sleep then you must choose us well, we understood your priorities.

                                    {"commentId":2148830,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
                                      #27.1 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 9:48 AM EDT
                                      Reply
                                      {"commentId":2148618,"authorDomain":"rachaelmm"}

                                      Oooh. I love reading. I hope you'll forgive my late arrival Scott, but I sure as hell can read 50 books this year. I'll have to count where I'm at now for the year, but I'd guess in the neighborhood of 20 or so. And summers provide more time to read for me, I find. Maybe it's just that I sleep less this time of year?

                                      Currently reading: Breakfast with Scot, by Michael Downing

                                      I'll post a review after I finish, and I'll try to get working on reviews for the other books I've already read this year.

                                      {"commentId":2148618,"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270","authorDomain":"rachaelmm"}
                                      • 1 vote
                                      Reply#28 - Wed Jul 9, 2008 9:17 AM EDT
                                      Jump to discussion page: 1 2
                                      {"canLink":false,"threadId":"184347","isPrivate":false}
                                      Leave a Comment:
                                      You're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead.
                                      As a new user, you may notice a few temporary content restrictions. Click here for more info.
                                      {"threadId":"184347","contentId":"1138270"}
                                      Start TrackingStart Tracking
                                      Stop TrackingStop Tracking