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Man finishes reading entire Oxford English Dictionary
The Oxford English Dictionary is certainly not everyone's idea of a page turner, but a man has just completed the mammoth, if not bizarre, task of reading the 22,000-page book cover to cover.
Ammon Shea, 37, who has been dissecting dictionaries since the age of 10, spent a year absorbing 59 million words, from A to Zyxt - the equivalent of reading a John Grisham novel every day.
Cooped up in the basement of his local library, the removal man from New York would devote up to 10 hours a day painstakingly making his way through all 20 volumes of the OED - helped by cup after cup of very strong coffee. Every time he came across an interesting word, he jotted it down, fearful that he would not remember its meaning.
Among his favourite discoveries were obmutescence (willfully quiet), hypergelast (a person who won't stop laughing), natiform (shaped like buttocks) and deipnosophist (a person who is learned in the art of dining.)
He even wrote a book about his experiences, entitled 'Reading the Oxford English Dictionary: One Man, One Year, 21,730 Pages'. In it, he recalls a low point when he started learning words beginning with the letter N. "Some days I feel as if I do not actually speak the English language, or understand it with any degree of real comprehension," he said. "It is as if I am visiting a foreign country, armed with one of those silly little tourist phrase book...I may know enough to order a cup of coffee or inquire where the bathroom is."
Many people ask Shea why he would put himself through the ordeal, but the self-confessed lover of words maintains that reading the entire OED was a challenge he set himself many years ago. "The OED, more so than any other dictionary, encompasses the entire history of all English's glories and foibles, the grand concepts and whimsical conceits that make our language what it is today," he said. "It's a great read. It is much more engrossing, enjoyable and moving to read than you would typically think a non-narrative body of text could ever possibly be." The Oxford English Dictionary is certainly not everyone's idea of a page turner, but a man has just completed the mammoth, if not... more -
Happy Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is observed during the last week of September each year. Observed since 1982, this annual ALA event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. This year, 2008, marks BBW's 27th anniversary (September 27 through October 4).
BBW celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met.
BBW is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, American Library Association, American Society of Journalists and Authors, Association of American Publishers, National Association of College Stores, and is endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is observed during the last week of September each year. Observed since 1982, this ... more -
Third Term: Why George W. Bush (Hearts) John McCain
Paul Begala is with the 82% who think George W. Bush is doing a terrible job.
"He tried to ruin the country in his first term. He's trying to ruin the world in his second term." Paul Begala is with the 82% who think George W. Bush is doing a terrible job. ... more -
Death of Reading Greatly Exaggerated
Author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, Dave Eggers is one of the most ambitious and activist literary figures of his generation. Esquire asked him if reading has a future. Author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, Dave Eggers is one of the most ambitious and activist literary figures of his gen... more
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Girls on top in noughties but nice sex guide
Sex on moving motorcycles is out. So is coitus on horseback. But for women, the recently reissued The Joy Of Sex is a far more rewarding read, with new information on the clitoris and female orgasm, not to mention sex during pregnancy and the female libido.
First published in 1972, The Joy Of Sex went on to sell 8 million copies in 22 languages, becoming famous as much for its frank illustrations as the knowing prose of the author, Alex Comfort.
"It was one of the first books to bring explicit sexual discussion to a mainstream audience," Bettina Arndt, one of Australia's first sex therapists, says. "It put oral sex on the menu, long before Clinton made the practice front-page news."
Now the Joy is back in a new edition revised and updated by the British sexologist and relationship psychologist, Susan Quilliam. The updated edition features fresh illustrations - the bearded man of the original has been put out to pasture - plus 40 new entries covering everything from hormones and pheromones, striptease, sex shops, and a harrowing section on penis injuries caused by vacuum
cleaners ("surprisingly common and very hard to repair satisfactorily"). Sex on moving motorcycles is out. So is coitus on horseback. But for women, the recently reissued The Joy Of Sex is a far more rewardi... more -
Banned Books Week and the National Book Festival, 2008
“Celebrating the Freedom to Read,” Banned Books Week runs September 27th to October 4th this year. Starting on September 27th as well is the eighth annual National Book Festival, taking place on the National Mall. Presented by the Library of Congress and Laura Bush, over 70 authors will be participating, and the website will post podcasts of events. I’ll also promote the wonderful, ongoing Favorite Poem Project yet again.
The American Library Association has a page on Banned Book Events, including a page for events by state (at least one listed event appears to be from 2007 or else there’s a typo, so you may wish to confirm an event before attending). There are official Facebook and MySpace groups for Banned Books Week, and you can also find several “I Read Banned Books” groups. Apparently, there will even be Banned Books Week activities in Second Life (details forthcoming on the website). Children’s author Sam Riddleburger shows how you can use an online motivational poster generator to make your own “Read” posters. (Continuing on the lighter side, The Onion has a piece called “Nation’s Teens Disappointed by Banned Books.”)
I’ll also invite any and all bloggers to a very informal blogswarm on banned books and intellectual freedom. Feel free to link your post(s) in the comments, or shoot me an e-mail, if you’d like.
I write a little post for Banned Books Week every year, but this year the subject’s been, well, more on my mind. Banned Books Week is a fine time to celebrate “Biblio-Americans” and all those teachers, librarians, parents, siblings and friends who may have introduced us to a great book or the joy of reading. It’s a great excuse to revisit a favorite book or read a new one – especially a banned one. It’s a nice way to share a favorite book with someone else, or start a conversation about why a challenged book such as 1984, The Great Gatsby or The Color Purple means so much. That’s not to mention books banned in other countries currently or throughout history. One of my favorite novels, The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov, was initially published in the Soviet Union only in censored form, but a more authentic version was one of many works passed around between friends clandestinely (and illegally) in Samizdat form. (The excellent 2006 film The Lives of Others (Das Leben der Anderen) portrays a similar dynamic in East Germany in the 80s.)
Personally, I draw the most inspiration from hearing tales like that, and by reading over the lists of the many books challenged over the years – it’s venerable company. To that effect, from the Frequently Challenged Books page, here’s:
The most frequently challenged books of 2007…
The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom received a total of 420 challenges last year. A challenge is defined as a formal, written complaint, filed with a library or school requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness. According to Judith F. Krug, director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom, the number of challenges reflects only incidents reported, and for each reported, four or five remain unreported. “Celebrating the Freedom to Read,” Banned Books Week runs September 27th to October 4th this year. Starting on September 27th as well ... more -
Sony electronic book reader lIve in UK
The Japanese electronics company is getting some help from Britain's biggest book chain for the UK launch of its electronic book.
After many false starts, ebooks finally appear to be gaining traction with consumers in the U.S.
Now Sony is hoping to replicate that success with launch of its Reader product in the UK.
Reuters Technology Correspondent Matt Cowan reports.
So far this was a flop in the US. But the question is will the new reader replace reading books online?
There is something about reading a real book that is comforting.
But for authors that can't afford to publish, this could help them greatly, but will we embrace it? The Japanese electronics company is getting some help from Britain's biggest book chain for the UK launch of its electronic book.... more -
Should libraries stock ex-gay literature?
US organisation 'Americans for Truth', "devoted exclusively to exposing and countering the homosexual activist agenda", is backing a new campaign targeting public libraries and asking them to stock ex-gay literature.
Spokesman Peter LaBarbera said there should be a balance in the selections that libraries carry on the "homosexual issue." He explained: "There is no logical or common sense reason why taxpayer-funded public libraries should make available every latest gay-affirming book; including those designed to open up young minds to the false and dangerous notion that homosexuality is normal while NOT carrying faith-based and ex-gay books that oppose a pro-homosexual ideology."
A sample letter to librarians on the Americans for Truth website, from a member of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays, reads: "I could not find many books about leaving homosexuality or the origins of same sex attractions. Every day parents of gay children search for answers to their children's condition only to be given the same information: 'deal with it' or 'they are born that way.' Neither of these are satisfactory options for the concerned parent. In addition to the numerous homosexual books which appears on your library system, your library needs to provide ex-gay books to everyone seeking it. Please provide equal access to all information, including ex-gay books."
Public libraries in the US are a familiar battleground for homosexual issues. A heart-warming tale of same-sex love and parenting among New York penguins has topped the list of books most complained about in American libraries for the second year running, even though it has been accused of promoting homosexuality and being 'anti-family' as well as unsuitable for its age group. Among other literary works in the top ten are The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (alleged racism) and Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass (anti-religious). US organisation 'Americans for Truth', "devoted exclusively to exposing and countering the homosexual activist agenda&#... more -
25 banned books that you should read today
This list summarizes 25 of the most controversial banned books and tells you where you can read them all for free online. Exercise your rights by reading at least one of these banned books today!
#1 A Day No Pigs Would Die
* Read an Excerpt of A Day No Pigs Would Die This list summarizes 25 of the most controversial banned books and tells you where you can read them all for free online. Exercise you... more -
US bestseller tells women to 'be sexy and obey men'
A self-help guide advising women to wear sexy clothes while cooking and cleaning and to follow men's orders has become a bestseller in America.
The book entitled 'The Re-education Of The Female' is written by first-time author Dante Moore and is currently flying off the shelves in the US.
One piece of advice reads: "Here's a little secret, ladies. Men never really ask for anything. They command. And believe me, what you won't do, ten broads around the corner will."
Mr Moore, a 33-year-old computer engineer, who has never married, continues: "The fatter you get, the more you decrease your potential single-man pool. Let me give you an example. When you go to the grocery store to shop, do you pick out the nastiest-looking, most rotten, smelliest fruit or meat you can find? Oh you don't? Why not? It's the same with men when they see baby-elephant-sized, out-of-shape women."
Mr Moore, who has an 11-year-old son from a previous relationship and has a girlfriend, says he has never found true love. He insists all he wants to do is help women because he loves women. A self-help guide advising women to wear sexy clothes while cooking and cleaning and to follow men's orders has become a bestsell... more -
Students to take Harry Potter exam
In a move bound to fuel 'dumbing'down' accusations, the UK's exam board has announced that Harry Potter will be placed on the school curriculum.
From next month, sixth-formers in more than 100 schools and colleges will be starting a new English baccalaureate which will, as one of its topics, allow students to complete a 5,000-word thesis on the fictitious boy wizard alongside their A-levels. Students will be asked to answer the question, "Would Harry Potter have been so successful 30 years ago?"
The baccalaureate has been devised by the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA). Negotiations are under way to see whether it can be awarded points that could count towards university admission.
Do you think Harry Potter is appropriate material for school exams? Is it about time we updated the curriculum or should we stick to more traditional texts? In a move bound to fuel 'dumbing'down' accusations, the UK's exam board has announced that Harry Potter will be pl... more -
Skip business school and get your "Personal MBA"
Self-educator Josh Kaufman says you can bypass business school and earn a "Personal MBA" by reading the best books in business—and he offers 77 of his picks. Kaufman writes:
'Top MBA programs don't have a monopoly on advanced business knowledge: you can teach yourself everything you need to know to succeed in life and at work. The Personal MBA Recommended Reading List features only the very best business books available, based on thousands of hours of research. So skip b-school and the $100,000 loan: you can get a world-class business education simply by reading these books.'
Books fall under various categories from Productivity & Effectiveness, Marketing, Sales, & Negotiation, Entrepreneurship, to Strategy & Innovation. The PMBA reading list looks like a fantastic resource for motivated autodidacts looking to get into business. Self-educator Josh Kaufman says you can bypass business school and earn a "Personal MBA" by reading the best books in busine... more -
World eBook Fair
The World eBook Fair, where you can download any of one million books.
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Booker prize longlist announced: boost for first-time novelists
In a surprising move, the Man Booker prize jury has decided to put five debut novels onto a rather eclectic longlist that excludes many big names.
While Salman Rushdie (The Enchantress of Florence), Amitav Ghosh (Sea of Poppies) and Philip Hensher (The Northern Clemency) have made it onto the 13-strong list, other predicted favourites, including Tim Winton, Peter Carey, Damon Galgut and John Burnside, were ignored. Instead, the list comprises novels by newcomers such as Tom Rob Smith's Child 44, Aravind Adiga's The White Tiger and Steve Toltz's A Fraction of the Whole.
According to the chair of judges, Michael Portillo, "The list covers an extraordinary variety of writing. Still two qualities emerge this year: large scale narrative and the striking use of humour."
The former Conservative MP and cabinet minister was joined on the judging panel by Alex Clark, editor of Granta; Louise Doughty, novelist; James Heneage, founder of Ottakar's bookshops; and TV and radio broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli.
The shortlist will be announced on September 9 and the winner will be announced on October 14 at an awards ceremony in London.
The longlist in full:
The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga (Atlantic)
Girl in a Blue Dress by Gaynor Arnold (Tindal Street Press)
The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry (Faber and Faber)
From A to X by John Berger (Verso)
The Lost Dog by Michelle de Kretser (Chatto & Windus)
Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh (John Murray)
The Clothes on Their Backs by Linda Grant (Virago)
The Northern Clemency by Philip Hensher (Fourth Estate)
Netherland by Joseph O'Neill (Fourth Estate)
The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie (Jonathan Cape)
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith (Simon & Schuster)
A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz (Hamish Hamilton) In a surprising move, the Man Booker prize jury has decided to put five debut novels onto a rather eclectic longlist that excludes man... more -
Is "reading" on the internet like reading a book?
According to Ray Bradbury, "You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them."
This New York Times article is "the first in a series of articles that will look at how the Internet and other technological and social forces are changing the way people read." According to Ray Bradbury, "You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them." ... more -
Developing a Love of Reading With Your Child
Do you have a child who is a reluctant reader? Here are some ideas that will help motivate your child to read.
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Angst, Lies & Audio Tape
The Antagonist Movement hosts weekly events in NYC's East Village. It showcases local artists such as Brother Mike Cohen who shares his family's dysfunction through live readings and 'zines. Brother Mike incorporates a boombox into his readings and plays old, secretly-recorded tapes of teenage fights with his father. His booklet, "Somewhere Between a Punch and a Hand Shake," published by the antagonist press, is a highly-regarded example of antagonist art.
http://antagonistmovement.com The Antagonist Movement hosts weekly events in NYC's East Village. It showcases local artists such as Brother Mike Cohen who shar... more -
Has the web killed the joy of reading a good book?
I have to admit it: I barely read books anymore. Not nearly like I used to, anyway. Not for a long, long time. And chances are, if you're at all addicted to the new media vortex, neither do you.
It's become a social conundrum, a cultural sore spot, a morose sign of the times. The question has been posed by agents and writers and a confused, hyperconsolidating publishing industry: What happened to all the readers? What happened to the culture of books? And the hint of fatalism, just underneath: If few truly read anymore, what of the state of the American mind? How much more dumbing down can we possibly stand? I have to admit it: I barely read books anymore. Not nearly like I used to, anyway. Not for a long, long time. And chances are, if you... more -
10 Classic Books To Put On Your Reading List
Chances are, if you ever survived a high school English class you may have read a few if not all of these classic book. But chances are you hated them because your teacher was evil and made you write a 10-page paper on the meaning of every paragraph rather than letting you simply enjoy them. That’s why even if you have read the 10 classic novels after the jump, you should give them a re-read this summer. And if you haven’t read them...well, now is the time.
Click on our link to see our entire book list. Chances are, if you ever survived a high school English class you may have read a few if not all of these classic book. But chances ar... more -
The Ten New(ish) Books You Should Read This Summer
The Frisky give you the skinny on must read books for the summer!
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