**spoiler alert** Dupa primele 3 pagini am stiut ca Isabel Allende este o scriitoare in adevaratul sens al cuvantului si mai mult decat atat , cred ca**spoiler alert** Dupa primele 3 pagini am stiut ca Isabel Allende este o scriitoare in adevaratul sens al cuvantului si mai mult decat atat , cred ca il depaseste chiar si pe Hemingway atunci cand zugraveste scene de razboi/teroare/drama.
Povestea este cea a unui cvasi-cuplu catalan (el doctor, ea piansita fiind sotia fratelui decedat in razboi) care fortat de razboiul civil spaniol (iminenta victorie a lui Franco) se vad nevoiti sa abandoneze patria ,fugind in Franta (chiar inaintea inceperii WW2) si de acolo prin pur noroc reusesc sa isi asigure locuri pe vaporul de refugiati Winnipeg cu destinatia Chile , "acea lunga petala de mare" ce ii va primi cu bratele deschise.
Odata cu evolutia vietii de cuplu a celor doi protagonisti , asistam si la schimbarile prin care trece lumea in perioada 1936-1994 , razboiul civil spaniol , WW2 dar mai ales Chile de la republica moderata , la ridicarea miscarii de stanga a lui Salvador Allende pana la asasinarea acestuia si instaurarii huntei militare ale lui Augosto Pinochet ,fapt ce ii va determina pe cei doi sa fuga din nou , de data aceasta in Venezuela.
O poveste incredibila ce trateaza drama razboiului , fuga , refugiul , pierderea caminului dar si viata , speranta , perseverenta si puterea de a incepe din nou de la zero....more
Maybe i am shallower than i thought but this book was a real pain to read. The first half is all about expressing some general truths wrapped in reallyMaybe i am shallower than i thought but this book was a real pain to read. The first half is all about expressing some general truths wrapped in really hard to get sentences just for the sake of fkin rhetorics.
I felt like i was banging my head against a wall at each page. The second part of the book gets better , the author focusing more on virtues.
The final 10% of the book is another hard nut to crack.
**spoiler alert** Asasinarea unei intregi familii respectabile (ca sa nu spunem piloni ai comunitatii ) dintr-un mic oras din Kansas in anul 1959 serv**spoiler alert** Asasinarea unei intregi familii respectabile (ca sa nu spunem piloni ai comunitatii ) dintr-un mic oras din Kansas in anul 1959 serveste drept catalizator al povestii noastre.
Autorul ne ofera o imagine holistica a societatii , prezentand cu lux de amanunte , atat vietile victimelor , a faptasilor precum si a tuturor persoanelor care interactioneaza intr-un fel sau altul cu cei mentionati .
Vietile personajelor sunt disecate de-a lungul romanului pe toate planurile temporale.
Asadar aflam motivul crimei , planificarea , executia , fuga urmand apoi urmarirea (se detaliaza punctul de vedere al anchetatorilor ) , procesul , inchisoarea si in cele din urma pedeapsa.
Poate cea mai impresionanta parte este inchisoarea. Asistam indeaproape la evolutia (sau stagnarea) viziunii asupra vietii a faptasilor precum si la raporturile acestora cu alti detinuti care isi asteapta pedeapsa.
Great book for those struggling in multicultural environments at the workplace. What this book does good is that it provides scales for 8 different aspGreat book for those struggling in multicultural environments at the workplace. What this book does good is that it provides scales for 8 different aspects of communication such as depth of context , negative feedback approach , hierarchical structure or decision making.Then it takes different cultures and places them on these scales. Depending on the difference between your culture and your target's culture on that scale you are given concrete examples and ways on how to deal with these discrepancies , how to reason with people that are totally different than you and how to get the job done at the end of the day....more
Might be to the fact that i have read a translation of this book , but the general impression for the most part of it was that it was way out of my leMight be to the fact that i have read a translation of this book , but the general impression for the most part of it was that it was way out of my league.
The author dives deep into philosopic formalism in his endeavour to explain that our way of communication is just an image of the world , and for the most part ,our language is not enough to explain one's thought.
And if we are not able to explain through language our thought , than , it means , that, we shouldn't even try , it boils down to the idea that : what can't be said MUST not be said.
Along the pages you will get bombarded with mathematical /logistic demonstrations of different hypothesis. I was pretty fascinated that by reading his tractatus there's quite a lot of linear allgebra and group theory involved.
Even if for the most part i couldn't keep up with the pace and complexity of this writing, the last 15 pages were something like a distillation of his take on the world , on communication and on life.
A good book (even if you don't understand much of it except for the last pages-in my case)...more
I can't even begin to comprehend the emotional rollercoaster ride that this book has put me through.
Not a fan of biographies this one has it all. The sI can't even begin to comprehend the emotional rollercoaster ride that this book has put me through.
Not a fan of biographies this one has it all. The story of the founder of Nike a young buck from Oregon in the early 60's has an idea to start a shoe company.
After a trip around the world that opens his perspectives he manages to seal a deal with a japanesse shoe company tosell heir shoes on the west coast.
From there on the ride begins and what a ride ! It's all problems after problems , living on the edge of the abyss from day to day , sleepless nights , frolic discussions.
The problrms range from being indebted all the time , running a 0 cash business , hostile takeovers , law suits , travelling the world in search of suppliers , factories , getting athletes wear your products , marketing around the state to coaches and highschools.Experimenting , improvising and never stopping (i didn't say failing - but failing fast ).
Its also a book about finding the right people , choosing your friends and the people you want to spend your life with based on your shared values (2 of the most important employees were morbidly obese and the most trusted one was in a wheelchair -the top 3 guys of a sports goods company...the irony).Yet it is heart and brain and values is what matters as the authors reveals.
It is also a book about faith and finding love in the most unexpected places - working as a part time univ asssistant to be able to pay the debts for his shoe company , he meets a remarkable student thst aces all his assignments.He offers her an accounting job at his company in the making. Down the road they get in love and marry.She becomes one of his pillars of strength.
The book is an excellent resource for young entrepreneurs , visionaries but also for anyone that has a dream , that has the courage to follow his heart....more
This book was a disapointment.I understand the book is pretty much a recollection of facts seen first hand by the author ...but even so it focused too This book was a disapointment.I understand the book is pretty much a recollection of facts seen first hand by the author ...but even so it focused too much on lousy descriptions of episodic characters.There were too many unimportant satraps, chieftains and even soldiers where the narrator dedicated entire pages that were abruptly forgotten.
The most important and interesting part was the first part of the returning journey mainly from Babylon to the Black sea.
The book went downhill from there and stood that way with some small exceptions....more
"Merge cu zeii cel ce neincetat are sufletul impacat cu cele ce i-au fost harazite de catre soarta"
"Moartea reprezinta sfarsitul repercusiunilor simtu"Merge cu zeii cel ce neincetat are sufletul impacat cu cele ce i-au fost harazite de catre soarta"
"Moartea reprezinta sfarsitul repercusiunilor simturilor , al conditiei de marioneta purtata de impulsuri , al ratacirii gandurilor , al serviciului adus carnii"
"Este rusinos ca intr-o viata in care corpul nu se lasa cuprins de slabiciune , sufletul sa o faca primul"
"Adapteaza-te evenimentelor pe care soarta ti le-a harazit.Iubeste , dar cu adevarat oamenii cu care destinul te-a unit"
Este fara doar si poate cea mai buna carte pe care am citit-o in acest an. Similar cu Seneca , Marcus Aurelius insa duce stoicismul la un cu totul alt nivel de spiritualitate .
Am fost placut impresionat de pledoaria autorului despre acceptarea oamenilor si mai ales a celor care ne fac rau , a accepta faptul ca fiecare lucru care ni se intampla are scopul sau , iar cei ce fac rau au si eu rostul lor in societate , ca toti suntem precum un roi de albine cu diverse atributii de-a lungul vietii.
Cel mai important este sa ramanem fideli daimon-ului nostru , sa parcurgem viata impreuna cu el , sa nu ne abatem de la adevar si dreptate , sa ne folosim darurile pentru a ajuta societatea si ,sa ne detasam atat de intamplarile fericire cat si de suparari caci toate acestea fac parte din ordinea fireasca a lucrurilor.Ce conteaza in cele din urma este ca intelectul sa nu cada prada lumescului.
Pentru cel ce citeste acest zid de text : Cred ca fie doar si meditand din cand in cand asupra ideilor expuse in acest manuscris iti vei usura viata , iti vei crea anumite ancore de care te poti agata atunci cand soarta iti e potrivnica iar in final te vei bucura mai mult de viata.
The story focuses on the regime of the Dominican Republic dictator Trujillo written in Llosa's characteristic style oAnother Vargas Llosa masterpiece.
The story focuses on the regime of the Dominican Republic dictator Trujillo written in Llosa's characteristic style of multiple chronological plains.
We get to see closehand the regime's most proeminent people : the head of internal security with his barbarian yet efficient and clever methods when dealing with political dissidents; the regime's propaganda master , the armed forces commander etc...This glimpse is shown through the eyes of the dictator himself.
Interpolated with the above we get to know the conspirators that are planning to take out Trujillo.We learn about their motives , their life before the dictator and more specifically how does a civilian turn into a conspirator soon to be assasin.
Probably the most shocking is the woman that returns to the DR years after Trujillo's death to visit her currently impaired father (ex- one of the most respected personalities of the regime )
The most amazing thing regarding this book besides the gory details of the regime is how after the death of the dictator life moved on and fast , a state that was governed by force for 30 years where the dictator had complete power has been able to forget mostly everything in a matter of months.
Who would have thought reading about the history , antrophology and nature of pigs could be such a captivating lecture. This is a such a hollistic apprWho would have thought reading about the history , antrophology and nature of pigs could be such a captivating lecture. This is a such a hollistic approach on such a disregarded subject. This book will totally change the way you see pigs , pig meat and the relationship between pig and man....more
Besides some really memorable moments and dialogues , i felt that the book with all of its descriptions regarding the people of Marycomb was boring anBesides some really memorable moments and dialogues , i felt that the book with all of its descriptions regarding the people of Marycomb was boring and i could hardly find reasons for their existence.
The book follows a pattern similar to a game where you have 3 uninteresting and boring sub-quests that nonetheless have to be completed in order to get to the main quest. This pattern stayed true throughout the book....more
**spoiler alert** Really awesome read bridging the gap between computer science and daily life , focusing on the complexity of life and how we make de**spoiler alert** Really awesome read bridging the gap between computer science and daily life , focusing on the complexity of life and how we make decisions based on intuition or common sense which for the most part turn out to be the optimal ones .
The book also presents some amazing mathematical solutions to problems we encounter in daily life such as : - choosing a new secretary , buying a new condo : look then leap approach (37% rule) - choosing a parking lot , cashing out : optimal stopping - choosing a new restaurant ( multi armed robber / gittins index) - creating a travel plan : Lagrangian Relaxation of constraints - solving an intractable problem (like solving chemical composition dependencies or even placing relatives to tables at a wedding) , one that has so many variables it is impossible to compute in a reasonable time : applying a Monte Carlo simulation , sampling solutions and taking the best one
One of the most interesting parts was the one regarding Exponential Backoff? How do you deal with a [drug/alcohol..etc] addict friend or relative that needs your help (money/shelter) but distresses you constantly? You can't turn him down without feeling guilty but you can not constantly be there for him. After helping him every time you will let him now he can use your help the next time in a period two times longer than the previous one.Thus you apply an exponential backoff. Some countries have started applying this method in the prison system regarding probationary periods , jail time etc...
A really great and fun read that admiringly is accesible to anyone (not just computer science people)....more
The best thing about this book is that you get a unique occasion to see how do the people in charge of large corporations look like , how do they act The best thing about this book is that you get a unique occasion to see how do the people in charge of large corporations look like , how do they act , react and most importantly what do they really know about their business - most of the times a lot LESS then their grunts !
This compelling book takes us through the rollercoaster that Nokia has been through from 2008 to 2016.
From being the undisputed king of handsets , to getting smashed in just one year by apple and then by Android .From the bittersweet partnership with Microsoft to the war-like negotiations with Steve Ballmer for the Company's most precious division.
Last but not least , the abandonment of the handsets division and the leap of faith into the Network Infrastructure (Alcatel acqusition).
The best part : the Nokia boardmember-to become chairman - to become CEO is telling you the story just like a role playing game.
P.S When you are the Technology Manager and you don't know your OS takes 48h to compile for a phone , the same phone you are placing all your eggs in , you know you are in some deeep long term trouble....more
A hollistic approach on how we perceive reality and our imperfect ways (i shall not say futile) in trying to embed it in our information systems.
The bA hollistic approach on how we perceive reality and our imperfect ways (i shall not say futile) in trying to embed it in our information systems.
The book is more like a memorandum of pitfalls that humans encounter when trying to design data systems.The book does not advocate of a specific approach (e.g tabular vs graph vs network representation) but it does provide solid facts to help us get to the right mindset when designing our data systems....more
An interesting perspective on the ongoing border conflict between Israel and Lebanon told by a former Israeli soldier serving in the Security Zone ( sAn interesting perspective on the ongoing border conflict between Israel and Lebanon told by a former Israeli soldier serving in the Security Zone ( south Lebanon Israeli controlled area long after the war of the 80's) as an outpost(aka The Pumpkin) defender.
We get an idea on the effects of this war from the perspective of a yound 20 year old soldier in the prime of his youth having to deal with uncertainity death , boredom all while other "normal people " of his age were waiting for the turn of the century.
The remarkable aspect is that after serving his time on the hill outpost , years later he fakes his identity and travels back to this forgotten war relic this time , from the Lebannese side.
The book is a testimony to the fraility of life and a good motivator to take life in your hands and make the best of it....more
Pana la aceasta carte , turbulenta ar fi fost ultimul adjectiv cu care as fi asociat america anilor 50. Cartea de fata aduce sub lupa comportamentul dePana la aceasta carte , turbulenta ar fi fost ultimul adjectiv cu care as fi asociat america anilor 50. Cartea de fata aduce sub lupa comportamentul delirant, fara speranta, nabadaios , aventurier , excentric al tineretului de dupa al doilea razboi mondial , comportament ce are la baza dorul de duca , vagabondajul , aventura , drogurile , sexul si bautura de-a lungul marilor sosele si drumuri americane.
Marturisesc ca am pierdut sirul kilometrilor parcursi , a oraselor in care au oprit pentru mancare la 50 centi , a masinilor furate, lovite , a prostituatelor ieftine sau a concertelor de jazz prin care trec ca vantul protagonistii in cautarea lor disperata de acel "ceva" unic , ingredient care face viata sa merite traita.
P.S Cartea clar trebuie citita daca sunteti pasionati de geografia continentului american...more
Some ideas that have stuck with me from tthis great book: -always hear out all opinions , do not try to suppress different views because in that momentSome ideas that have stuck with me from tthis great book: -always hear out all opinions , do not try to suppress different views because in that moment you assume that you hold the ultimate truth and besides doing wrong to yout fellow you rob yourself of a possible truth -when you plan to take a side do not assume it is the right one since only yours is studied /checked.Only when you have heard the most dedicated supporter of the opposing view and you have rebuked all their arguments can you really say you hold the truth. - whenever society tries to suppress the "deviants" the nonconformists ,the geniuses in favor of the masses it does itself a great disservice since the progress , the reformation usually comes exactly from these people that see the world in other ways.And even if these people are not to be put in power (similar to the aristocracy of middle ages) , they can act as eye-openers to the ones that are in power and can change society.
The last part of the book covers the relation between the state and the individual and when and in what circumstances should the former interfere with the liberty of the latter.
Definetly something worth reading , at least as a mental exercise....more
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