[Hitch]

Originally Posted by Katsunami

Have you ever read James Clavell's Shogun, or better yet, seen the mini-series?

Clavell is brilliant. And, FWIW, love Michener, too. I'm fortunate; when I was young, people were expected to have an attention span longer than a gerbil's. I literally cannot imagine what it's like to grow up today, unable to focus on the great classics, or handle something like Michener, Clavell, and the like. What a bummer.

I've noticed that very few people are able to handle the descriptions, back story, and virtually unending dialogue. To be honest, if someone I don't know too well asks me about my favorite books and/or movies, I omit them.

I think you're hanging out with the wrong people.

Then again, I'm the kind of guy (in his mid-thirties) who can actually watch Sissi *IN GERMAN* and even enjoy it. If I should tell that to my friends, I'll probably get laughed at, ridiculed, or shot. Or worse.

Gotta admit, can't speak to that.

A movie such as Transformers is just a two hour long explosion that never seems to end. As a Star Trek The Next Generation fan (because of episodes such as The Measure of a Man and The Inner Light), I have problems watching the new, action-oriented and explosion-filled reincarnation.

Meh. I don't have any issue with whacko, explosion-filled movies; I simply take them for what they are. Frequently, at night, when I'm done working, I'm beat. I mean, my brain simply does not want to think about one more thing that requires focus. At moments like that, I'm perfectly happy to let flashy lights and noise wash over me, whether it's something as utterly ludicrously bad as Pacific Rim or, for that matter, a reliable old cozy like Midsomer Murders. Sometimes, brain-candy is just brain-candy, not intended to be nutritious and nourishing; it's just something to allow us to relax. (Also: really good for distraction if you're on a rowing machine, x-country trainer, spin bike, whatever).

The same, of course, is true of books; anyone who read past, say, the sixth book in the Evanovich series knows that. Sometimes, people want to know in advance exactly what they're going to invest time in, even when we're simply talking about brain candy. BUT...when I want something nutritional, then, agreed, I want something like Clavell. ;-)

Hitch