Books Read in 2010

I read 44 books in 2010. As I've noted previously, most of these I listened to on my mp3 player, which is how I get through so many.

I'll list the first six as the ones that I enjoyed the most, or found most enlightening or inspirational. For most of the others I'll include brief comments.

With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa – E.B. Sledge.

This book is the real deal about the horrors of modern combat, especially in the Pacific in WWII. Yes, there is plenty of gore and violence, but it was also personal, poignant, inspiring, and enlightening. I laughed out loud at some spots, and wept at others. I am thankful for and honor those who served in these horrible conflicts.

Cry, the Beloved Country – Alan Paton

This is a fictional story set in South Africa about 1948. This is not an “in your face” portrayal of the injustices of apartheid, but an intelligent, even-handed, powerful and well written story of whites and blacks caught up in the times.

The Last Train from Hiroshima – Charles Pellegrino

This was such a fascinating read, despite learning afterwards that the author was discredited for sloppy research and outright untruths in the account.

Truman – David McCullough

I was surprised at the impression this book made on me. It is quite lengthy, but was worth the investment. For a man and president I knew so little about, I understand better his monumental impact on history (and I think in a positive way). And he was in so many ways such an ordinary man.

Emma Smith, Mormon Enigma – Newell and Avery

I think this is an even-handed treatment of a controversial figure in early Mormon history. Fascinating events in a different time and place from ours.

The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy – Mearsheimer and Walt

This is a lengthy and detailed treatment of how the authors believe the tremendous influence of the Israel lobby (in its many forms) has damaged U.S. interests worldwide. I confess I see several pro-Israeli biases at work in me and will never look on modern Israel the same again.

Fiction:

Catching Fire and Mockingjay – Suzanne Collins

Interesting continuation and conclusion from the much more impressive first book, The Hunger Games.

Atlas Shrugged – Ayn Rand

For such a landmark and influential book, I struggled a lot with it. It was so, so long and I nearly bagged it a couple of times. While I agree with some of the philosophy (free market) I have serious issues with other concepts (self focus). See my "review":

The Veteran (5 short stories) – Frederick Forsyth

The Worthing Saga, Ender’s Game, Speaker for the Dead – Orson Scott Card

Interesting and creative stories, but after each book I think I won’t read any more of Card’s works.

Crime and Punishment – Dostoevsky

Dracula – Bram Stoker

I liked this book more than I thought I would.

Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad

I thought this was a great book, and is based on non-fictional characters and events.

The Lemon Tree - Sandy Tolan

A fictional account presenting two sides to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Book Thief – Zusak (again)

While I think this is a very good book, somehow it doesn’t work on me as much as it does for my wife and daughter.

North and South – Elizabeth Gaskell

Poisonwood Bible -- Kingsolver

Non-fiction (Cold War themes):

Daring Men (Berlin Airlift) – Richard Reeves

President Reagan, Triumph of Imagination – Richard Reeves

Red Moon Rising—Sputnik… – Matthew Bzrezinski

Day One – Before Hiroshima and After – Peter Wyden

I was motivated to read this as a more accurate account after "Last Train From Hiroshima". It had a broader scope and, despite several slow chapters, was very informational about the development and deployment of the atomic bomb, and its aftermath.

Other Non-fiction:

Salamander – Sillitor and Roberts

A fascinating read for those of us who remember the sensational developments.

Empires in the Forest, Jamestown and the Beginning of America – Chenoweth and Llewellyn

The Universe in a Nutshell – Stephen Hawking

A Long Stone’s Throw – Alphie McCourt

Mildly interesting, but not as entertaining and engaging as his brother’s books (Frank).

Zodiac and Zodiac Unmasked– Robert Graysmith

The first book is rather interesting, the second not so much.

102 Minutes – Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn

Evidence of the Afterlife – Jeffrey Long

A State of Blood – Kyemba

I count my blessings I live in the USA.

Highest Duty – Chesley Sullenberger

Culture Shock: UAE

Stolen Lives – Malika Oufkir

Does this stuff really happen in the modern world?

Isaac Newton – James Gleick

The Six Wives of Henry VIII – Alison Weir

Uranium – Thomas Zoellner

I nearly added this to the “Cold War” list of books.

City of Gold, Dubai and the Dream of Capitalism – Jim Krane

Great read to prep for our trip to UAE.

The Raft – Robert Trumbull

Amazing story, if told in the campy style of the 40’s.

To America – Stephen Ambrose

Baseball – Geoffrey Ward

Open – Andre Agassi

I was looking forward to this read of such a great and influential tennis player, but came away with an unsettled feeling about Andre and the state of the professional game.

King Leopold's Ghost -- Hochschild

I read this (and Poisonwood Bible) since Steven was reading it for his high school class. Both very interesting books, and prompted me to read The Heart of Darkness. I learned much more than I ever have about central Africa and its history.

40 Years

I graduated with the Ramona High School class of 1970 in Riverside, CA. I recall there being about 900 in my class, so it was large and there were many I didn't know. And I really haven't kept up with anyone from my school.

Still, I was surprised to never hear about any class reunions along the way. I think I heard the excuse that they didn't know where I lived, which is strange considering my folks still live at the same address where I lived in high school. But with all the modern internet technology I was finally tracked down and started getting invites to class activities about a year ago, including the big 40th reunion this year.

Even though I'm not much into social events, and hadn't kept up with anyone, I was tempted to fly down and attend. However, it was scheduled right after our two week trip to Europe and Dubai, and I just didn't feel I could get away. I did order a class CD that will have info and pictures from the class and the reunion.

A senior picture was distributed with an index of names for people to identify the surprising few who were unnamed. I contributed one name for someone I played tennis and basketball with. It was fun browsing the picture and seeing friends from long ago. Can you find me?


I confess I was a bit dismayed to see photos from the reunion. Everyone is so old! I guess I'm old, too. Very few of my friends from high school actually attended the reunion, so I don't feel so bad having missed it.

Intel Webcam

There should be a webcam looking west outside the 3rd floor window at Intel where I work. I often head up the stairwell to go to my lab and see these gorgeous views. I watch the colors change on all the tree varieties, and can see the snow level on the Coast Range mountains. In the spring I see the trees come alive and all the blossoms, and in the fall I watch the numerous vibrant colors unfold.

Here is a shot from early April. It had been cold and there was a new deposit of snow in the Coast Range.

Here is October 27:

This is November 2:

Here is November 15:


November 16:


November 21:


And November 30 (last year):


I should capture the spring progression in a few months. I consider it a treat to have such a diversion during my work day.

Living in the Country

When we selected our new home in Beaverton in 1984 we were on the edge of housing developments. We could look to the west and the north and see empty fields and farms.


Here is our new home with empty lots around us.

The major north-south street adjacent to our neighborhood was a lonely country road that ended in a T-intersection.

A few years later a housing development went up to the west, another to the north (with a golf course), and the lonely country road was extended and renamed from 158th St. to Bethany Blvd.

In spite of all the development, we are still on the edge of the country, with rural roads and farmlands beginning just a mile away. I routinely hop on my bike and head out from my house for pleasant rides on the rural roads. Here is a random picture from a day I got caught in a February snowstorm on a Saturday ride.

We pick corn, strawberries, and peaches within 8 miles of our house (not counting our garden).

We drive about four miles to a tree farm to cut our Christmas tree. Here we are with our hot chocolate on a hay ride to the tree cutting area.

I would say we have the best of both worlds in the neighborhood where we live. The conveniences of the city and positives of the country close at hand.

The Resurrection and the Life

Some of you followed the blog for Megan Smith's fight against leukaemia after she gave birth to her daughter:
http://prayersformegan.com/

There were so many ups and downs, and so many giving support and prayers. And we were all so griefstricken when she ultimately lost the battle.

Ryan grew up in our ward, and his family still lives here. The daughter, Rylee, came back with Ryan's parents at one point. Rylee is truly a miracle child, born under tragic circumstances.

I was asked to conduct the graveside service here in Oregon last week. It was a gray and wet day, and so sobering to see the white casket with Megan's remains poised to go into the ground. I gave the concluding remarks at the service, which I am including here.

The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 15:19: For if in this life only we have hope in Christ we are of all men most miserable.
We have cause to be miserable. We are griefstricken by the loss of such a vibrant and good person as Megan. Anyone who knew her was immediately impressed with her energy, her charisma, her goodness.
We suffered and prayed along with her and her family during her struggle against cancer, and mourn at the tragic loss.
But because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because of our hope in Christ, we can rejoice. Christ won a victory over death. He gave his life on the cross at Calvary and rose from the grave on the third day.
Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 15:20: But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

We can take comfort in knowing that, while we lay her tabernacle of clay into this mortal grave, her spirit, free from physical pain and suffering, has returned to her Father in Heaven who gave her life and begat her spiritually, for indeed we are all begotten sons and daughters of God. I can imagine she had and continues to have a joyful reunion in paradise with loved ones who have gone before her and welcomed her home.
And we are confident that Megan’s spirit will be reunited with a perfect and immortal body to come forth in the first Resurrection, and that we will one day be reunited with her.
Christ said in John 11:25: I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live
That is my testimony, and that is the good news of the Gospel.

1960-61 and ACW

I wrote previously about my father being stationed remotely in the Air Force 1959-1960.

http://acraigwalker.blogspot.com/2010/11/little-league-baseball.html

Here is a photo of him in Labrador:


In addition to baseball, Barry and I had interest in football, and we got L.A. Rams helmets for Christmas. In fall 1960 we moved to Gulfport, Mississippi, and here is a picture of Barry and me playing football in our yard (or field next to our house). I love this picture. Such nostalgia.


About this time my favorite football team was the Baltimore Colts, with Johnny Unitas, Raymond Berry, and Lenny Moore. Still have some football cards.

I was bugged with the hassle of having to tell people I didn't go by my first name, Alan, but by my middle name, Craig. So when we moved to a new place (Gulfport) for third grade I just told the teacher and fellow students that my name was Alan, and that's what I went by when not at home. It was an interesting experiment, though when we moved again I went back to Craig.

I always thought it was a lame excuse by my parents to name me so my initials would be ACW (and putting my preferred name in the middle), the same as the Air Force squadron where my dad was stationed. Sigh. There are some advantages of going by my middle name to offset the aggravation of filling out forms with space for first name and middle initial. When someone calls on the phone for Alan, I have a pretty good idea they are a stranger. And being "A. Craig Walker" does sound a little distinguished. There is a famous radio and TV personality in Portland with the same name, so often people ask if I'm "the" Craig Walker, and I can just smile and reply that no, I'm just "a" Craig Walker.

Black Friday, and the Temple

I have a variety of memories associated with Black Friday, some of them shopping related, and some other activities. With the convenience and low cost of shopping online it is rare that I get out and try to chase bargains early Friday. I have unpleasant memories of fighting huge crowds at Best Buy trying to find sale items, which were usually sold out by the time I got there.

Still, there have been fun and profitable times. For a number of years we would use the 50% off coupons for Michael's to purchase picture frames for my Portland Temple picture. Suzanne and I would have to hurry to the store as the coupon expired by 8AM some years. They would stamp your hand upon entry to validate your entry time.

I took the photograph in late 1989 of a brand new Portland Temple and liked it so much that I started giving it as a gift. I entered it at the Washington County Fair one year in the photography section and won a first prize. I pretty much wore out the negative making many dozens of 8x12 prints. It was especially convenient and effective for wedding gifts for those married in the Portland Temple. One year I bought a mat cutting system on sale and with an additional coupon discount at Michael's.


I would buy large sheets of mat and we would get an assembly line going to make several at a time. A few months ago I did a big push and finished building up frames and mats for all my remaining prints, so I only have a dozen or so left poised for gifts.

The finished product: