A book review of Decision Points by George W. Bush

Finding ourselves several years beyond the tenure of a two-term president, we continue to feel the effects of the decisions made by that president, for better or worse.  Now left to history, what many a historian seeks when bio graphing a president is documents and relevant information that helps shape an understanding of his presidency.  In the case of 43, that hunt has been made easier, for the former president has released a memoir covering the most important decisions of his presidency.

Decision Points is written in an easy-to-read format that causes the reader to almost hear Mr. Bush’s voice narrating as one reads.  To that effect, Mr. Bush adds personal information and insights that help one understand why he made certain decisions.  Additionally, he discusses the facts that came to his desk that led him to make those decisions.  Overall, the book leaves one feeling conclusively decided about certain decisions, whether in the pro or con to what Bush says.

Emotions run deep with many of the issues that are tackled in the book, but this is a must-read for the amateur historian interested in establishing a well-rounded knowledge of the first decade of the new millennium.  On a downside, the book does not include citations for much of the information presented, so readers must relegate themselves to accepting sometimes debatable facts.  As a result, citing the book in academic writing should be restricted to quotations and personal opinions, rather than presenting facts.

In conclusion, I enjoyed reading the book.  There were heartwarming moments shared by the former president that add a level of humanism to the executive office.  In some cases, it highlighted the need for a president to rise above the emotionally charged commentary of the media.  As time rolls on, emotions will die down and facts will become clear.  As this occurs, I am convinced that this book will be an important source for any Bush biography and will help shape the long-term opinion of his presidency.

Strike Witches Complete Box Set

What do you see here?

So I finally bought the Strike Witches Complete Box Set.  Some of you may wonder why I’d buy something like this, while the rest of you (some of which have seen this series already), will either look away in disgust or giddily ask to borrow the damn thing. Read more »

“When They Cry” Complete Box Set Overview

If you’re like me, you wait to buy anime until the entire thing is out in a complete package for about 50% less than if you bought all the DVDs separately.  Its less expensive, you get more for your buck, and you can spend all night marathoning the series you just bought and get entirely no sleep at all.

Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni or “When They Cry” finally came out in thinpack form.  I’d been waiting for this series since Geneon first released DVD 1 stateside.  Unfortunately, I never thought I’d see the entire thing since Geneon went under. Read more »

Review: Star Trek

I have never been made this upset by a movie remake, and that says a lot. At worst, I expected this movie  to mess with the continuity of all the other films: make people meet when they shouldn’t, get dates wrong, have technology be too advanced or too futuristic etc. But what happened was even worse…

Star Trek, which has a sequel coming, has changed the way Star Trek movies are made by concentrating on action and special effects more than story, acting, suspense, drama, and politics. They have effectively killed or wounded the drama of deep space opera films for years, even decades, to come. By having an over the top pace, blatantly stealing from the other Star Trek films as if they are out of date, and by disregarding or plain messing up on straight forward rules about time travel and the laws of sci fi science, this movie has hurt all science fiction movies even more than Star Wars Episodes I-III. I will never again be able to watch a new true to form Star Trek movie because from now on they will be reduced to this macho over the top action flick junk. I had a hard time figuring out Kirk’s age in the film, but I am quite sure he was made captain before he made it out of Star Fleet Academy, which would mean he went from not even having a real rank to skipping 5 officer ranks in a few days.

“So if I join a 3 century old organization and I yell at people enough, I can make captain and run the whole show in a few days on machismo alone?!” Yes. Apparently you can. Read more »

Review: K-ON!

Originally a 4koma manga created by Kakifly, I’d heard a bit about K-ON! and couldn’t help but notice its warm reception by general otaku and cosplayers alike. I guess that would be expected from a new series out of Kyoto Animation, the same animation studio that brought The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Lucky Star to the frothing masses.

Soooo… with all the attention K-ON! has garnered, and my own fledgling but pointed interest in learning music and guitars, what the hell, why not give it a watch? Now, I’m not an “OMG it’s so cute! Kawaaaii! Moe moe!” person really, but away from that label, this looked like a short, light, amusing little slice-of life comedy to jump start my recently lackadaisical anime viewing. All in all, it turned out to be just that. Read more »