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A small disclaimer: I'm not a big fan of mystery or suspense novels, meaning that I haven't read many, so entering into the new Pynchon novel cold was a bit more of an endeavor than I expected. It occurred to me at some point that in a mystery or suspense novel, you have a main character that you will eventually, if at all, learn more about. For me, that's a very hard way to get my attention and foster my sympathy for a fictional person. I need something more to work with, particularly at the beginning of a book.

With that said, I don't think Pynchon is up to his best work here. I felt his work lacked the depth and dimension of his previous books, and he relied too heavily upon static situations that were loosely strung together and seemed to have no use other than for titillation or low brow comic effect; the characters were more caricatures and stereotypes of common and popular social figures: stoners, surfers, policemen, detectives, and nymphets, which gets old really fast. I felt that the novel didn't begin to develop until one third of the way in, and his writing really didn't start moving until the last fifth of the book.

For die hard Pynchon fans, this will be a must have book and good read comparable to The Crying of Lot 49, but it's hardly classic Pynchon, and to me it doesn't stand up to his better crafted works.

If you are a die hard Pynchon fan, you'll probably love it. In that case, I can highly recommend it, yet I would have a hard time giving the same recommendation to others. (via Amazon.com)

Updated Aug 29, 2009

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Le Creuset Moroccan Tagine

3 people recommended this item

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We received this for our wedding and we love it!

Not only is it practical to use, it has that great exotic ethnic appeal for when you are cooking for guests. Easy, efficient to use and clean and it makes a beautiful decorative piece in the kitchen between dinners. (via Sur la Table)

Updated Aug 29, 2009

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World Tales : The Extraordinary Coincidence of Stories Told in All Times, in All Places: Idries Shah

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If you enjoy stories from around the world, you'll love this collection of fascinating tales which shows the universal relationship between distant cultures. Compiled and written by the master Idries Shah, renowned authority on Sufism, your library isn't complete without this book. (via Amazon.com)

Updated Jun 19, 2009

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Outwitting History: The Amazing Adventures of a Man Who Rescued a Million Yiddish Books: Aaron Lansky

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The fascinating and inspiring story of how one man single-handedly revived the interest in a dying culture. Aaron Lansky tells how he came to champion the cause of Yiddish literature through the collection of a massive library, filled with books from every age and corner of the world, with rare, nearly lost originals and translations of books that almost been permanently destroyed. A really wonderful book. (via Amazon.com)

Updated Jun 19, 2009

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Tales of the Hasidim (v. 1-2): Martin Buber

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One of the best books written on the history of Jewish folklore and mysticism. Martin Buber's collection of tales will delight and engage you for years and will become one of your favorite books. (via Amazon.com)

Updated Jun 19, 2009

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And You Shall Know Us by the Trail of Our Vinyl: The Jewish Past as Told by the Records We Have Loved and Lost: Roger Bennett, J

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I'm a sucker for books like this. Feeding my love for discovering cultural artifacts that aren't quite in the norm of our contemporary entertainment, this book - and the accompanying blog - gives you plenty to explore. Filled with rich illustrations and some select witty dialogue from guest writers, it makes a great coffee table book and conversational piece, and will keep you fascinated for weeks, searching out more on the albums and artists that they cover. I'm already waiting for a sequel. (via Amazon.com)

Updated Jun 19, 2009

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Chef's Design 20-Inch Double Burner Reversible Grill/Griddle

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We received the Chef's Design Griddle four years ago as wedding gift and we love it. - it wasn't even on our list but someone had the foresight to know that this would be one of the most valuable, versatile and well used tools in our kitchen. The grill/ griddle is durable and easy to clean, and you can use it so many ways, you'll be amazed that you ever got along without it. One of it's many great uses is in cooking several items at the same time, such as making pancakes and eggs or grilling steak and vegetables. It is so handy you'll be tempted to give it a permanent place on your stove top. (via Amazon.com)

Updated Jun 19, 2009

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Penzeys Spices

5 people recommended this item

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For spices, you can’t beat the quantity, quality, or price.

Updated Jul 11, 2006

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Meet Me Anywhere: Natraj

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The compositions on this recording need to be experienced in a small, intimate live setting, with Warren Senders, who wrote two of the songs, joining them. I’ve seen them perform with and without Senders, and they are brilliant either way, with a tight yet wildly controlled improvisational groove bringing together traditional Hindu phrases derived from classical vocal music of the country, West African percussion and free jazz. Phil Scarf, trained in classical music of India as well as jazz, leads the group on soprano saxophone, yet when Senders joins in he brings a completely different take to the music and his improvised Hindu scat singing is something you must see to believe. (via Meet Me Anywhere : Natraj)

Updated Mar 3, 2009

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mountain of spices :: Green Thai Curry Spice Blend

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This freshly made spice blend is the perfect seasoning for ethnic derived dishes such as Indian, Thai or Indonesian curries, stews and soups. Great as a seasoning for vegetables, rice or legumes, and on any type of meat. If you like Southern Asian style flavorings, then check out this wonderful spice blend. The site also has a variety of other blends and seasonings available. (via mountain of spices @ etsy.com)

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