What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures

What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures by Malcolm Gladwell
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I had such high expectations of this book. I enjoyed many other Malcolm Gladwell's books. But, this one, somehow just didn't grab me the way the others did.
I didn't understand the underlying premise of all the stories. I was waiting for a thread that tie them together to support a single thesis. However, as I finished the last page, I still didn't get it.
Separately the stories were interesting. But, to me, they were just thrown together to fill enough pages between the book covers.



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The Profession

The Profession by Steven Pressfield
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this not too distant future war novel describes what international war and politics will be like. The events are definitely possible and thought-provoking. However, the first half of the book was tough for me to get through. Steven Pressfield was very detailed in including all the weaponry that the main characters were using during their exploits. I think I probably would have gotten just as much out of the story if he used "very big and deathly gun" or "heavy duty war vehicle". Of course, that would waste all of the author's meticulous research.

After working through the first half the of the book, the second half was well worth it. It was fast paced, heart-stopping action. The Profession was enjoyable for a war novice. For weapons' buffs, it would be a lot more fun.



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Paris, finally.

Paris, was one of those places that I am surprise I didn't get to until now.  London,  Athens, Munich, Vienna, Dublin, Milan, Rome, others.... been there, some more than once.  But, Paris, oh Paris.  I finally made it, thanks to my employer being a global company.  Better yet, all expenses paid.  I didn't have to stay in a hostel and eat street food to save money.  Instead, I stayed in a decent hotel and eat real French/Parisian food.

Paris was everything I imagined and more.  Even though I only have 2-3 hours after work to play tourist, I was able to visit the big sights.   Eifel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc d'Triomph, Champs Elysee, the Louvre, the Seine, and the Food (it's an attraction in itself).  All the majesty, immensity, and beauty.  I was awed.  I think the last time I was speechless at a touristy site was at the Parthenon in Athens.

I'm so happy that I finally made it to Paris.  One thing I wish tho was that my little baby girl and the Mister were there with me.  One day, soon, I will introduce my little girl to the amazement that is Paris.

 
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