Michael’s Comments (group member since Jul 05, 2009)

Michael’s comments from the Between the Lines group.

Welcome to all newcomers!

Along Came A Spider, by James Patterson

Lauren wrote: "Michael wrote: "Lauren wrote: "Notes on a Scandal, which was absolutely amazing, and The Far Side Gallery 4. Oh and Fantastic Mr Fox last night."

I agr..."

It was actually one of the rare instances in whic I wasn't dissapointed in a film adaptation of a novel. I often actually see film versions of stories before reading the book. It's mainly because I'm a huge film fan.

Dench does a good job! Good performances all round I think.

Lauren wrote: "Notes on a Scandal, which was absolutely amazing, and The Far Side Gallery 4. Oh and Fantastic Mr Fox last night."

I agree with you about Notes. Have you seen the film?

Fiona (Titch) wrote: "Just finished I, Alex Cross - James Patterson."

I still haven't read the first in the Alex Cross series, Along came a spider. It will definately be my next fiction read!

Finished Football Babylon by Mel Stein. The blurb read: 'at last, a football expose that will do for the sport, what Hotel Babylon did for the hospitality industry'.

Hardly. I love football, and I did enjoy reading the 'annonymous' behind the scenes tales of scandals, pay-offs, rumours, etc. But there was something too far-fetched about it. This is something I don't normally worry too much about, but the whole thing was hard to take seriously. It was almost as if the narrator was trying to out-do his sensationilism with each chapter.
Had some funny moments though.

Just finished Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. Just brilliant. I'm really into non-fiction at the moment. I spent the weekend in Brighton a couple months ago and happened to miss his tour by a few hours. Many questions I would like to ask him.

Emily wrote: "I just discovered Calvin Harris...it's fun dance music, I can't stop playing it.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh2ose...
and this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1S3JC...

Good dance music! He's proving quite a hit over here in the UK.



"

Patricia wrote: "Hi there

I'm Patricia, I'm 21 and I live in Switzerland. I spent time in the US when I was in High School and since then I pretty much only read in English (except for the ones by German speaking ..."

Hi Patricia,

I know what you mean about finding it difficult to find the time to sit down and read books. I read mostly when I'm holiday, or when I'm on the train.
The fact that you have taken the time to join good reads shows that you are willing!

Goodluck with all and enjoy!

xx

Fiona wrote: "This is one of my favourite songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-B2Sv...

and 2nd fave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PILJRH...



They really speak to me, th..."





I agree with you Fiona. I've been a hip hop fan since I was ten years old, and it irritates me that the most popular hip hop artists and songs are the one with stereotypical and often negative lyrics. I've spoken to a few artisits about this and they all say the same thing: 'record labels won't give us a deal unless we give the audience what they want. According to the record sales statistics, audiences want tales of violence and bling, and fast cars and women.'

For me, I would like to see artists who have sold an enormous amount of records to take control. If you have established yourself as a successful and profitable artist, surely you can have a little more over the type of music you want to release? I am sick and tired of old fashioned record execs assuming what an audience wants. I think in general an audience will only accept what is readily available. It takes a certain personality to shun trends and look a little deeper. It is actually no more than 50% of hip hop artists that make these type of cliched songs. But unfortunately it's these so called 'bling bling' artists that seem to sell the most records. I believe hip hop artists are some of the best lyrical writers but this is often obscured by the nonsense that record labels choose to release. I will continue to shun theses records and stick to insightful hip hop artists like Nas, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Dead Prez.

I think a lot of this applies to video games too. There are parental advisory stickers on violent titles but it is still difficult for parents to keep tabs on what their children are up to. One can only hope that people use their own minds and not get too influenced by ridiculous fantasy. After all, The Terminator didn't make me or my friends want to become deadly cyborgs that blast everything in sight.

Roisu wrote: "My all-time favourite film is The Shawshank Redemption. I think the film adaptation of it is better than the original novella.

I love book Fight Club A Novel, and I think that the fil..."

Shawshank Redemption is one of my favourite films of all time. I've not read the book, I plan to.
Are you familiar with stage shows that have been turned into films? Like Closer?

1. Los Angeles
2. Miami.
3.Milan
4.Seychelles
5.Dubai
6.Japan
7.Paris
8. St Tropez
9.Marbella
10.Monaco

Lauren wrote: "Michael wrote: "WYR send a postcard or an email?"

Email. There's never enough room on a postcard.

Fiona wrote: "WYR live life constantly excited on the edge, or just a calm but not really exc..."
Meet the love of my life, I don't think meeting your hero is always a good thing!

WYR go to space or reach the top of Mount Everest?

In terms of fiction I find it very difficult to choose one. But Malcolm Gladwell is definately my favourite non-fiction writer.

tough, but fiction for the potential escapism.

WYR send a postcard or an email?

Didn't think my answers were out of context : )

I wanted to think of an interesting question.

Hopefully this is one!: WYR satisfy your thirst or your hunger?

Kennith wrote: "Sitting in a chair.....when my head hit the bed, I'm out in a second!

WYR play a musical instrument well or cook a gourmet meal?"
I like cooking but I wish I could play the electric guitar!

Fiona wrote: "Cooking.

WYR donate a good amount of money to charity or spend one week doing something for charity?"
I'd spend a week doing something for charity. It would feel good to be more involved. I think it would also make me more appreciative of those who engage in voluntary work.

Emilee wrote: "Sharks

WYR ski dive or bungie jump?"
Sky dive! I did a simulated dive in a wind tunnel a few months back and that was thrilling! Hopefully I'll be brave enough for the real thing soon!

Cammieo wrote: "Hi everyone. I used to be on Goodreads but then I lost my job and computer access. I have a job now and my own computer. I didn't belong to this group before, I'm not sure it existed last year, but..."
Hi Cammieo,

I'm glad things are looking up for you now. Hello!