Some day, this nerd will be me

Mistborn

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was excited for the new Mistborn book to come out, and I thought I should follow up on that.  I finished the book (it turns out that the free teaser chapters that were online before the release were almost 1/3 of the whole book, so what was left was a pretty fast read), and it was pretty good.  Solid.

At some point, I'd like to muse about the series as a whole, or maybe even Brandon Sanderson's universe that he writes in, but for how I have just a few thoughts for anybody who is considering reading this book.  It was a very fun read, but very different from the original trilogy.  It was much less epic.  I don't mean that in the way lame teenagers use "epic" as a substitute for "cool," but rather I mean that the scope of this book is much smaller.  It came from a free-write where Brandon Sanderson apparently said to himself "what would Sherlock and Watson be like if they were magic?"  It turns out that they would be pretty darn cool. 

So, what can you expect from this book?  Some of Brandon's hallmarks are missing (epic scope, intricate plot, lots of twists and surprises), and some of them are very present (a well thought out plot, fun and original magic system, interesting characters, some very cinematic fight scenes, and a very internally consistent world).

And one thing I noticed that is one of Brandon's biggest weaknesses (bad banter) is getting way better.  I don't mean this to be hyper-critical.  I could never do what he does.  But he loves to include witty banter that sounds like an author writing witty characters, not like real witty people.  If that makes sense.  Anyway, in this book, the witty banter is way way better.  It's only rarely clunky and awkward.  It's kind of fun to have been following Brandon's works from near the beginning and see him develop in little ways like this.

So, it's a really fun book that you should read.  And you don't need to read the first books to get it.  There are some moments where people who read the original trilogy will chuckle at inside jokes, but I don't think newcomers will be too lost.

Evolution

From Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal

Whoopsie

So, it turns out that I'm not terribly bright.  The other day, I got frustrated and posted a rant.  It was a pretty good rant, as rants go.  Brad even made an insightful comment on said rant.  Then I posted on my Facebook wall that I was updating my blog.  Moments later, I got a thumbs up from a faculty member at the University. Which reminded me that my readers include more people than just Brad and my family (which is almost repeating myself).

So, I hurried over to my blog and removed the post that might have hurt some feelings.  If anybody read a post that they can't find anymore, that's why.  I apologize to anybody who I might have offended. 

Moral of the story?  Never say anything you don't want everyone hearing.  Thanks a lot, internet.  Thanks a lot, Al Gore. 

11-11-11

Friends, in addition to being Veteran's day, today is very special. As was pointed out this morning on Ace, it should be the one day in the century to celebrate Nigel Tufnel.



So, let's celebrate all things 11.

Veterans Day

We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm. — George Orwell

Today is Veterans Day. So, thank a veteran for being willing to serve you and me and keep America safe.

Productivity

[update- Kate submitted this to ILoveCharts.tumblr.com and now I'm internet famous.  Well, I'm internet somewhat known.  Well, a few people said they liked it.  Which pays about the same as being internet famous]