Scrimisms » Recent Activities, 2008 Edition

In lieu of something substantial, here’s a quick semi-illustrated smattering of my last twelve months’ activities.

What I look like these days
(Christmas 2008)

Favorite Blog Entries of 2008

Most Phallic Photograph
(Atlas rocket at the Museum of Science and Technology)

Best trip taken in 2008: China.

Favorite books read this year

Alberto Manguel, A History of Reading
I first became aware of Alberto Manguel when he gave his fantastic Massey Lectures in 2007. This book is a book about books, and a joy for any book-worm like me.
Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms
I’ve been on a bit of a Hemingway kick of late. I think this is my favorite. John McCain’s favorite novel is “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, which is also pretty good.
Ian M. Banks, The Aglebriast
I like Science Fiction best when it makes my eyes go wide.
Gabriel García Márquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude
I didn’t get this book at first, but about half way through something clicked and I couldn’t put it down. It’s a strange history a fictitious town called Macondo, where the whole of human history seems to play out.
Neal Stephenson, Anathem (even if the end was a bit lame)
This is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed but hesitate to recommend. It seemed to have been crafted precisely for me, and I know my tastes skew a little eccentric. It’s 900 pages long, has monasteries full of mathematicians, and the entire thing is one big game of hide and seek with the history of western philosophy.

Nerdiest Photo of 2008

Video Game Created: The Trials of Soscarides
(Windows and Mac; have you played it yet?)

Most Dramatic Ottawa Sunset

That’s all for 2008. Happy New Year!