Read Depressive Things

I was very touched after I've read this blog. You should really read it if you're interested in books and/or discussions.

It reminds me how much positive impact books (and other media) has had on my life, even the depressive ones, because most of times I've felt like I was the only one that thought a certain way about everything.

I never liked to read books at high school, because it was mandatory. I started to read books on my own because I was really disappointed about studying at university. I still hate doing things because other people tell me to.

I tried to remember which books changed my life (gosh, I wish this didn't sound so dramatic). I only came up with these: Het Reservaat (The Reserve) by Ward Ruyslink, Blauwe Maandagen (Blue Mondays) by Arnon Grunberg and Onder Professoren (Amongst Professors) by Willem Frederik Hermans.

The most depressive book I've ever (try to) read was Journey To The End Of The End Night by Luis-Ferdinand Celine. I've never finished it for this very reason. Maybe I should try to read it again some time.

Next monday I will be 26 years old.

Listen To Pigs, Not Chickens

A few weeks ago, I listened to a reading about Scrum, which was basicly a way to manage a software project.
The only thing I'm keep thinking about is: "listen to pigs, not chickens".

This is the story behind it (click on the image if you can't read it):

(Source of this cartoon)

According to wikipedia: "This fable is commonly referenced to illustrate two types of project members: pigs, who are totally committed to the project and accountable for its outcome, and chickens, who consult on the project and are informed of its progress. By extension, a rooster, or gamecock, can be defined as a person who struts around offering uninformed, unhelpful opinions."

Even though I'm definitly a pig because I work as a software developer, I'm used to listening to far too many chickens... I really have to stop doing that.

De Tranen Der Acacia's (1949)

About a week ago, I finished reading De Tranen Der Acacia's (The Tears Of The Acacias) of W.F. Hermans. It's his first novel that takes place during World War II, but not like you expected. The war is just a circumstance wich causes more reflection of the characters than real drama. The real story is in the relationships the characters are having with eachother during the war. I must say, it wasn't very easy to read it. Some parts were even boring because of the use of too much details.

Nevertheless, it's interesting to read how the main character Arthur feels like he haven't really experienced the war or how he thinks Holland was just an unimported part in the history of this war. There's also a lot of interesting cynisme going on about the dutch resistence too.

De title refers to the acacias the stepmother of Arthur likes to see as the only flowers in her room. Arthur's stepmother is in bed because of her chronic illness and dislikes regular flowers, because they make her sad as they wither. According to the story, the acacias always stay green.

This book is one of the hardest book I've read in times. It's hard because of the many details and the number of characters. Still, it has a lot of things to think about. Take that within your consideration if you decide to read this book or not.

Avatar, Death Proof and Planet Terror

I have to blog more about the movies I've seen. It's January 4th and I've already seen three movies. Here are my impressions.

Avatar (2009)

I'll probably see this movie a few times more in the cinema. The special effects are like you've never seen before, but the story is actually great too! All right, all right... It's a bit overdramatic sometimes, but still worth watching it a few times.

Too many attention has already been given in the media, so I don't have to tell you what it's all about. I'm just telling you: believe the hype! Watch it in 3D if you can!

Death Proof (2007)

Do you like fast cars, hot (but dumb) girls, a lot of suspension, violence and great dialogues? Yeah, me neither.

But seriously, Death Proof start a bit silly, but in the end it will leave you at the edge of your seat.

Keywords: Quentin Tarantino, Girl Power and a lot of bragging and boasting.

Planet Terror (2007)

It's definitly a no-brainer. Lots of zombies, exploding bodies and great laughter about the most simple dialogues and remarks. Some say it's a horror movie, I prefer to call it a comedy. It's a great movie when you're watching it with a lot of silly friends and a lot of booze.

Directed by Robert Rodriguez, by the way.