Celtic Myths and Legends - Peter Ellis

A very well put together book of Celtic myths - would make good bedside stories. People get what's coming to them - good for good, bad for bad, although there are some sad tales. Beautifully written fairy tales.

Shamanism - A Guide for Daily Life - Thomas Dale Cowen

What in the world was I thinking putting this book on my wishlist? Rather than the anthropologic guide to shamans in different cultures I wanted to read, this book is a new age mess. It actually claims something to the effect of "it's ok if it feels like you're making it up" and then talks about how if you do the same thing together in a group you'll all get different results. It has even less external validation than other relgions. I'm just glad it was so short - if I had to read one more word about how your imaginary friend as a child was actually a manifestation of your spirit guide I think I would have puked.

Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull

My god. I love Indiana Jones. I was so excited before I saw this movie that the theme song was running though my head for days beforehand. I promised myself I wouldn't overhype and get disappointed. But it was horrible! I mean, come on - aliens! And the interpersonal stuff was so insipid. Blech. Where was all the fun of the other 3 movies?

Comedy of Errors - Chicago Shakes

Totally loved this production. Took a completely ludicrous play and and put it in the context of a movie set in London during the Blitz. Hilarious.

In Hanuman's Hands - Rao

This book club book was written by a local Chicago guy - a "memoir". Slightly disturbing that a friend of a friend was such a crazy druggy and did so many horrible things to his friends. Of course, you have to wonderful how much of it was true. At the end of the day, though - didn't enjoy it very much.

The Feminine Mystique - Betty Friedan

I opened this book expecting it to be a relic - a piece of historical interest. What was interesting was how it applies today as well as ever. True - everyone isn't expected to be a housewife anymore. Women with PhDs aren't worrying about making homemade bread. And yet there's still an enormous gender gap. The movement went the other way - in the need for equality with men, women now do too much. Again, you have to chose between having a family or a career - and most end up choosing family. Most high-level work environments don't provide childcare, or even flex-time or part-time work. To be a scientist, you have to sacrifice ever seeing your child to succeed - or not work at all. There is no compromise - no time off. The loss of strong women due to this problem is society's loss.

Dao De Jing - Lao Zi

This is actually a very interesting translation (I don't remember the translator's name unfortunately) with a lot of comparisons to both Sun Tzu and Confucius. It is more a guide for governing than for life, focusing on following the dao (or the way) in everything you do. The central theme seems to be live life laissez faire and you'll be happy - let things happen on their own and don't try to over-regulate. Also, as far as government goes, humbleness and simpleness is the key. Interesting - although I'm not exactly sure I agree with it.