The Latest

So yeah, it's been a long time since I've written here, so I feel somewhat compelled to give those who do occasionally look at this site something new to read. Actually, read is about all I've been doing lately...aside from the usual cycle of research and procrastination that is the spice of graduate student life.

The first book I breezed through was Rich Dad/Poor Dad, by Robert T. Kiyosaki. This book continues the line of non-fiction that I have been reading lately. Although the subject of this book is investing and wealth-creation, Mr. Kiyosaky goes about getting his points across in a different way. Rather than give the reader a how-to in each chapter, he relates his experiences as a child growing up with "two" fathers - one rich and one poor - and what he learned from them regarding money. Mostly, this focuses on the rich dad (actually his best friend's father) and how he taught a young Robert how to think about money properly. This narrative takes up a good part of the beginning of the book, with the last half consisting of Mr. Kiyosaki's discussion of how he currently operates and things about investing and wealth-management, as well as a few hints/tips for people interested in getting started or who are trying to teach these skills to their children.
Overall, this is an excellent motivational book. After reading it, I really wanted to start doing everything the book said. Mr. Kiyosaki focuses his attention on the real-estate market, but that is because that's what he knows. The thought processes in the book could be applied to a vast array of markets. However, this is not a book for the motivated person who is now looking for a how-to guide. But, as consolation, the author provides a list of recommended reading in the back of the book to cover this. All in all, a great read for anyone out there interested in developing wealth-building skills who just needs some motivation.

The second series that I've gotten into is the "His Dark Materials" series - a trilogy by Philip Pullman. The new movie, "The Golden Compass", is adapted from the first book in the series, and the trailer for that movie was what convinced me to pick up the book.
For those unfamiliar with the story, it follows the adventures of 11-year-old Lyra and her daemon, Pantalaimon (in her world, which is a parallel of ours, everyone has a daemon...essentially a part of their soul in animal form that travels with them at all times). Her earth is identical to ours in most respects, but they are at a 19th century/steampunk level of technology, and there are far more strange creatures and people than we have in reality. It is an adventure/quest story, not unlike the Lord of the Rings (although quite a bit shorter and you don't have to hear about Sam and Frodo for half a book), and although it was obviously written for children and teenagers, it's still a good, quick, exciting read.

Well, that pretty much sums it up - at least as far as reading material. Time to head to bed and dream of the end of the semester!